9 
Compilation 


OF    THE 


Holy  Utterances  of  Baha'o'llah  and 
Abdul  Baha 

Concerning  the  Most  Great  Peace,  War  and  Duty 
of  the  Bahais  toward  their  Government. 

SECOND    EDITION 


SH 


This  publication  is  authorized  by  the  Tenth  Annual  Convention 

of  the  Bahais  of  America  held  in  Chicago 

April  29-30,  1918 


•A<^ 


.vr' 


BOSTON 
1918 


Contents 


HOLY  UTTERANCES  OF  BAHA'O'LLAH 
War — Peace — Duty  to  Government 
Extracts  from  Tablets  to  Kings         .... 


HOLY  UTTERANCES  OF  ABDUL  BAHA 

Prater  ..... 

Prophecies    ..... 

Tablet  to  the  East  and  the  West 

War  —  Causes,  Effects,  Remedy 

Defense  of  Communities 

Obedience  to  Government — Law — Politics 

Need  for  the  Power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  Hague  and 
Other  Peace  Conferences     . 


Religion  —  Prophets  —  Manifestation 
Coordination,  Correspondence,  Cooperation 
Oneness  of  Humanity  ..... 
Spiritual  Civilization  —  Material  Civilization 
Power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  . 
Universal  Peace  .... 
Power  of  Teachings  of  Baha'o'llah 
Instructions  .... 

Bahai  Aims  and  Work 
Universal  Disarmament  —  Arbitration 
America         ..... 
Tablet  to  Persia,  1917 


Addenda 


Page 

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61 
64 

74 

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93 

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109 

114 

123 

138 

148 

173 

180 

184 

194 

197 


4iC15T 


THIS  is  that  whici  descended  from  the  source  of  majesty,  through  the 
tongue  of  power  and  strength  upon  the  prophets  of  the  past.     We 
have  taken  its  essences  and  clothed  them  with  the  garment  of  brevity 
as  a  favor  to  the  beloved,  that  they  may  fulfill  the  Covenant  of  God;  that 
they  may  perform  in  themselves  that  which  He  has  entrusted  to  them,  and 
attain  the  victory  by  virtue  of  devotion  in  the  land  of  the  spirit: 

O  Son  of  Spirit!  The  first  counsel  is:  Possess  a  good,  a  pure,  an  en- 
Hghtened  heart  that  thou  mayest  possess  a  Kingdom  eternal,  immortal, 
ancient  and  without  end. 

O  Son  of  Spirit!  Justice  is  loved  above  all.  Neglect  it  not  if  thou  de- 
sirest  me.  By  it  thou  wilt  be  strengthened  to  perceive  things  with  thine 
own  eyes  and  not  by  the  eyes  of  men,  to  know  them  by  thine  own  knowl- 
edge and  not  by  the  knowledge  of  any  in  the  world.  Meditate  on  this  — 
how  thou  oughtest  to  be.  Justice  is  my  bounty  to  thee  and  of  my  provi- 
dence over  thee;   therefore  keep  it  ever  before  thy  sight. 

Baha'o'llah     Hidden  Words. 


Compilation 


HOLY   UTTERANCES   OF  BAHA'O'LLAH 


WAR— PEACE— DUTY  TO  GOVERNMENT 

Praise  be  to  God  that  thou  hast  attained.  *  *  *  Thou  hast  come  to  see 
a  prisoner  and  an  exile.  *  *  *  We  desire  but  the  good  of  the  world  and  hap- 
piness of  the  nations;  yet  they  deem  us  a  stirrer  up  of  strife  and  sedition 
worthy  of  bondage  and  banishment.  *  *  *  That  all  nations  should  be- 
come one  in  faith  and  all  men  as  brothers;  that  the  bond  of  aflFection  and 
unity  between  the  sons  of  men  should  be  strengthened;  that  the  diversity 
of  religion  should  cease,  and  differences  of  race  be  annulled  —  what  harm 
is  there  in  this?  Yet  so  it  shall  be;  these  fruitless  strifes,  these  ruinous  wars 
shall  pass  away,  and  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  come.  *  *  *  Do  not 
you  in  Europe  need  this  also?  Is  not  this  that  which  Christ  foretold?  *  *  * 
Yet  do  we  see  your  kings  and  rulers  lavishing  their  treasures  more  freely  on 
means  of  destruction  of  the  human  race  than  on  that  which  conduces  to  the 
happiness  of  mankind.  *  *  *  These  strifes  and  this  bloodshed  and  discord 
must  cease,  and  all  men  be  as  one  kindred  and  one  family.  *  *  * 

Let  not  a  man  glory  in  this,  that  he  loves  his  country;  let  him  rather 
glory  in  this,  that  he  loves  his  kind. 

Baha'o'llah.     Words  spoken  at  Acca  to  Prof.  E.  G.  Browne,  1890. 

If  we  seek  to  become  acquainted  with  the  truth  of  this  matter  through 
the  accounts  and  stories  which  are  in  the  mouths  of  men,  the  truth  will  be 
entirely  concealed  and  hidden  by  reason  of  their  manifested  differences  and 
contrariety.  It  is  therefore  best  to  discover  the  principles  and  objects  of 
this  people  from  the  contents  of  their  teachings,  tracts  and  epistles.  There 
is  no  authority  nor  are  there  any  proofs  or  texts  superior  to  these,  for  this 
is  the  foundation  of  foundations  and  the  ultimate  criterion.  One  cannot 
judge  of  the  generality  by  the  speech  or  action  of  individuals,  for  diversity 
of  states  is  one  of  the  peculiarities  and  concomitants  of  the  human  race. 
Baha'o'llah.     The  Bahai  Revelation.     T.  C.  p.  115. 

Discord  is  the  cause  of  bloodshed  and  entails  revolution  among  the 
servants  (people). — Baha'o'llah.     Words  of  Paradise. 

*  *  *  Hearken  ye  unto  the  voice  of  this  oppressed  one  and  preserve  your 
ranks.  This  matter  is  incumbent  and  obligatory  upon  all.  This  oppressed 
one  hath  during  nights  and  days  uttered  before  the  faces  of  all  in  the  world 
that  which  is  the  key  to  the  doors  of  sciences,  arts,  wisdom,  peace,  affluence 
and  wealth.  The  tyranny  of  the  oppressors  could  not  withhold  the  Su- 
preme Pen  from  motion  and  the  suspicions  of  the  doubters  and  evil  doers 
could  not  prevent  Him  from  declaring  the  exalted  Word.  I  beg  and  ask  of 
God  under  all  circumstances  to  guard  and  purify  the  people  of  Baha  from 
the  superstitions  and  imaginations  of  the  former  community. 

Baha'o'llah.     Tablet  of  the  World,  p.  37. 

.,  The  jjeople  of  wealth  and  men  of  honor  and  power  must  have  the  best 
J,  ossible  regard  for  the  respect  of  religion.  Religion  is  a  manifest  light  and 
a  , strong  fortress  for  the  protection  and  tranquility  of  the  people  of  the 
w^rld.    The  fear  of  God  commands  people  to  do  that  which  is  just  and 


'■*;. 


A 


12  COMPILATION 

forbids  them  that  which  is  evil.  If  the  lamp  of  religion  remain  concealed 
agitation  and  anarchy  would  prevail  and  the  orb  of  justice  and  equity  and 
the  sun  of  peace  and  tranquility  would  be  withheld  from  giving  light. 
Every  man  of  discernment  testifies  to  that  which  is  (here)  mentioned. 

Baha'o'llah.     First  Ishrak. 

The  tent  of  the  divine  Cause  is  great;  it  shall  envelop  all  the  nations 
of  the  world.  The  day  is  your  day  and  a  thousand  Tablets  are  your  evi- 
dence. Arise  to  assist  the  Cause,  and  be  engaged  in  subduing  the  minds 
and  souls  of  the  people  of  the  world  through  the  host  of  utterance.  You 
must  show  forth  that  which  will  be  conducive  to  the  welfare  and  tran- 
quility of  the  helpless  ones  of  the  world.  Gird  up  the  loins  of  effort,  per- 
chance the  slaves  may  be  emancipated  from  bondage  and  find  freedom.  In 
this  day  the  cry  of  justice  is  raised  and  the  lamentation  of  equity  is  heard. 
The  dark  smoke  of  oppression  hath  enveloped  the  world  and  nations. 
Through  the  motion  of  the  Supreme  Pen  a  new  life  of  significances  is 
breathed  into  the  body  of  words  by  the  command  of  the  ideal  commander 
and  the  effects  thereof  are  visible  and  manifest  in  all  the  things  of  the  world. 
This  is  the  most  great  glad-tidings  which  hath  flowed  from  the  pen  of  this 
oppressed  One. 

Say:  O  friends!  Why  fear,  and  whom  shall  ye  dread?  These  clay- 
pieces  of  the  world  shall  be  disintegrated  by  a  slight  moisture.  Your  union 
itself  shall  be  conducive  to  scattering  superstitious  souls.  Strife  and  con- 
flict are  characteristic  of  the  ferocious  beasts  of  the  earth.  By  the  as- 
sistance of  God,  the  sharp  swords  of  the  Babi  community  have  been  re- 
turned to  their  scabbards  through  good  words  and  pleasing  deeds.  The 
righteous  have  always,  through  good  words,  taken  possession  of  the  gardens 
of  existence. 

Say:  O  friends!  Do  not  forsake  wisdom.  Hearken  to  the  exhorta- 
tions of  the  Supreme  Pen  with  the  ear  of  intelligence.  No  one  of  all  the 
people  of  the  world  should  suffer  harm  from  your  hands  or  tongues. 

Concerning  the  land  of  Ta  (Teheran)  we  have  revealed  in  the  book  of 
Akdas  that  which  is  conducive  to  warning  all  in  the  world.  The  unjust 
ones  of  the  world  have  usurped  the  rights  of  nations  and  are  with  all  power 
and  strength  occupied  with  their  own  lustful  desires.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  O  people!  In  this  blessed,  brilliant  day,  deprive  not  your- 
selves of  the  bounties  of  the  bounteous  One.  In  this  day,  the  rains  of 
wisdom  and  utterance  are  descending  from  the  clouds  of  mercy  of  the  merci- 
ful One.  Blessed  is  he  who  renders  justice  in  the  matter  and  woe  unto  those  j 
who  are  unjust.  In  this  day  every  knowing  one  testifies  that  the  utter- 
ances, which  are  revealed  from  the  pen  of  this  oppressed  One,  are  the  great- 
est cause  for  the  elevation  of  the  world  and  the  development  of  nationS| 
Say:  O  people!  Arise  to  assist  yourselves  through  the  heavenly  power 
that  perchance  the  earth  may  be  purified  and  purged  from  the  idols 
superstitions  and  imaginations  which  are,  forsooth,  the  cause  of  the  failure 
and  humiliation  of  the  helpless  people.  These  idols  intervene  and  with-, 
hold  the  people  from  progress  and  loftiness.  It  is  hoped  that  the  hand  df 
power  will  assist  and  will  deliver  the  creatures  from  the  great  baseness^ 

It  is  revealed  in  one  of  the  Tablets:     "O  people  of  God!     Be  noti> 
cupied  with  yourselves.     Be  intent  on  the  betterment  of  the  world  and  t 


• 


BAHA'O'LLAH  13 

training  of  nations."  The  betterment  of  the  world  can  be  accomplished 
through  pure  and  excellent  deeds  and  well-approved  and  agreeable  conduct. 
The  helper  of  the  Cause  is  deeds  and  its  assistant  is  good  character.  O 
people  of  Baha !  Hold  fast  unto  piety !  This  is  that  which  is  commanded 
by  this  oppressed  One  and  chosen  by  the  potent  One. 

Baha'o'llah.     Tablet  of  the  World,  p.  22. 

O  people  of  God !  Exalted  is  his  glory !  Ask  God  to  guard  the  sources 
of  power  and  authority  (rulers,  et  al.)  against  the  evil  of  egotism  and  lust 
and  to  illumine  them  with  the  lights  of  justice  and  guidance.  *  *  * 

A  king  whom  the  pride  of  authority  and  independence  does  not  with- 
hold from  being  just,  and  whom  benefits,  opulence,  glory,  hosts  and  legions 
do  not  deprive  of  the  splendors  of  the  Orb  of  Equity,  such  a  king  shall  pos- 
sess a  lofty  station  and  an  exalted  rank  in  the  Supreme  Concourse:  it  is 
incumbent  on  all  to  assist  and  love  such  a  blessed  being.  Blessed  is  the 
ruler  who  controls  the  reins  of  the  ego  and  overcomes  his  wrath;  who 
prefers  justice  to  oppression  and  equity  to  tyranny! 

Baha'o'llah.     Words  of  Paradise,  p.  50. 

Let  every  one  of  the  kings  —  may  God  strengthen  them !  —  arise  to 
protect  and  assist  this  oppressed  community  (the  Bahais).  Each  (Bahai) 
must  precede  the  other  in  serving  and  showing  love  unto  them.  This 
matter  is  obligatory  upon  all.     Blessed  are  those  who  practice! 

Baha'o'llah.     The  Fourth  Glad  Tiding,  p.  84. 

Great  God!  This  sect  has  no  need  of  arms.  All  its  efforts  tend  toward 
the  peace  of  the  world.  Its  armies  are  its  good  actions;  its  arms  its  good 
deeds;  its  generals  the  fear  of  God.     Happy  is  he  who  is  equitable. 

By  God !  These  men  by  their  patience,  their  tranquility,  their  resigna- 
tion and  their  contentment,  have  become  the  manifestations  of  justice. 
Their  submission  has  reached  the  point  where  they  let  themselves  be  killed 
rather  than  kill;  and  this,  while  these  oppressed  ones  of  the  earth  have  sub- 
mitted to  that  which  hath  not  been  recorded  by  the  histories  of  the  world 
and  which  the  eye  of  the  nations  has  never  seen. 

How  could  they  have  supported  such  terrible  misfortunes,  without 
stretching  forth  a  hand  to  preserve  themselves?  What  was  the  cause  of 
their  resignation  and  their  tranquility?  It  was  the  constant  interdiction 
of  the  Supreme  Pen,  for  they  have  seized  the  reins  of  the  commandments 
with  the  force  and  power  of  the  Master  of  the  world. 

Baha'o'llah.     Extract  from  "Epistle  to  the  Son  of  the  Wolf,"  p.  75. 

In  every  country  or  government  where  any  of  this  community  reside 
(the  Bahais)  they  must  behave  toward  that  government  with  faithfulness, 
trustfulness  and  truthfulness.  This  is  that  which  is  revealed  from  the 
presence  of  the  Ancient  Commander. 

It  is  obligatory  and  incumbent  on  the  people  of  the  world  in  general  to 

assist  this  most  great  Cause,  which  has  descended  from  the  heaven  of  the 

will  of  the  King  of  pre-existence,  that  perchance  the  fire  of  animosity  which 

Ps  ablaze  in  the  hearts  of  some  of  the  nations,  may  be  quenched  through  the 

water  of  divine  wisdom  and  lordly  commands  and  exhortations,  and  that 

o|Ke  light  of  union  and  accord  may  irradiate  and  illuminate  the  regions  of 


14  COMPILATION 

the  world  and  it  is  hoped  that  through  the  favor  of  the  appearances  of  the 
power  of  God  (Kings  and  Rulers),  the  armaments  of  the  world  will  be 
changed  into  peace,  and  corruption  and  conflict  will  vanish  from  among 
men.  Baha'o'llah.     Glad  Tidings,  p.  85. 

*  *  *  In  this  day  it  is  incumbent  and  obligatory  upon  all  to  adhere  to 
that  which  is  conducive  to  the  progress  and  elevation  of  the  just  govern- 
ment and  people.  In  every  one  of  the  verses,  the  Supreme  Pen  hath 
opened  doors  of  love  and  union. 

We  have  said,  and  our  saying  is  truth,  "  Consort  with  all  the  (people  of) 
religions  with  joy  and  fragrance."  Through  this  utterance  whatever  was 
the  cause  of  foreignness,  discord  and  disunion  has  been  removed. 

Concerning  the  progress  of  existence  and  the  development  of  men :  We 
have  revealed  that  which  is  the  greatest  door  to  the  trianing  of  the  people 
of  the  world.  All  that  has  been  formerly  revealed  from  the  tongue  or  pen 
of  the  people  of  the  past,  the  king  thereof  is  indeed  revealed  in  this  most 
great  Manifestation  jfrom  the  heaven  of  Will  of  the  Lord  of  pre-existence. 

In  former  ages  it  has  been  said:  "To  love  one's  native  land  is  faith," 
but  the  tongue  of  grandeur  hath  said  in  the  day  of  (this)  Manifestation: 
"  Glory  is  not  his  who  loves  his  native  land,  but  glory  is  his  who  loves  his 
kind."  By  these  exalted  words  he  taught  the  birds  of  souls  a  new  flight 
and  effaced  restriction  and  blind  imitation  from  the  Book.  This  oppressed 
One  hath  forbidden  the  people  of  God  to  engage  in  strife  and  conflict,  and 
summoned  them  to  good  deeds  and  to  spiritual  and  pleasing  morals.  In 
this  day  the  hosts  which  assist  the  Cause  are  good  deeds  and  good  morals. 
Blessed  are  they  who  adhere  thereto  and  woe  unto  those  who  reject  them! 
*  *  *  Baha'o'llah.     Tablet  of  the  World,  p.  25. 

*  *  *  Truly  I  say:  Moderation  is  desirable  in  every  affair,  and  when  it 
is  exceeded  it  leads  to  detriment.  Consider  the  civihzation  of  the  people 
of  the  Occident:  how  it  has  occasioned  commotion  and  agitation  to  the 
people  of  the  world.  There  has  appeared  an  infernal  instrument,  and  such 
atrocity  is  displayed  in  the  destruction  of  life,  the  like  of  which  was  not 
seen  by  the  eye  of  the  world,  nor  heard  by  the  ears  of  nations.  It  is  im- 
possible to  reform  (or  remove)  these  violent,  overwhelming  evils,  except 
the  peoples  of  the  world  become  united  in  affairs,  or  in  one  religion.  Hearken 
ye  unto  the  voice  of  this  oppressed  One,  and  adhere  to  the  Most  Great 
Peace!  Baha'o'llah.     Words  of  Paradise,  p.  54. 

We  have  commanded  the  Most  Great  Peace,  which  is  the  greatest  means 
for  the  protection  of  mankind.  The  rulers  of  the  world  must,  in  one  accord, 
adhere  to  this  command  which  is  the  main  cause  for  the  security  and  tran- 
quility of  the  world.  They  (Rulers)  are  day-springs  of  the  power  and 
dawning-places  of  the  authority  of  God.  We  beg  of  God  to  assist  them 
in  that  which  is  conducive  to  the  peace  of  the  servants.  *  *  * 

Baha'o'llah.     Second  Ishrak. 

Sixth  Ishrak:  Is  concerning  union  and  harmony  among  servants  (man- 
kind). Through  union  the  regions  of  the  world  have  ever  been  illuminated 
with  the  light  of  the  divine  Cause.  The  greatest  means  (for  this  end)  is 
that  the  peoples  should  be  familiar  with  each  other's  writing  and  language. 


BAHA'O'LLAH  15 

*  *  *  In  this  connection  we  have  formerly  revealed  that  which  is  the  means 
for  the  prosperity  of  the  world  and  the  unification  of  nations.  Blessed  are 
those  who  attain!     Blessed  are  those  who  practise!  Baha'o'llah. 

This  is  a  day  wherein  the  gems  of  steadfastness  must  appear  from  the 
mine  of  man.  O  people  of  justice!  Ye  must  be  luminous  like  unto  light 
and  be  ablaze  like  unto  the  fire  of  the  Sinaitic  tree.  This  fire  of  love  will 
assemble  all  the  different  peoples  in  one  court,  but  the  fire  of  animosity  is 
the  cause  of  disunion  and  conflict.  We  beg  of  God  to  protect  His  servants 
from  the  evil  of  His  enemies.     Verily,  He  is  the  powerful  over  all  things! 

Praise  be  to  God!  The  true  One,  exalted  is  His  glory,  hath  opened  the 
doors  of  the  minds  and  souls  through  the  key  of  the  Supreme  Pen.  Every 
one  of  the  revealed  verses  is  a  manifest  door  to  the  appearance  of  spiritual 
virtues  and  holy  deeds.  This  voice  and  this  utterance  is  not  particu- 
larized to  one  country  or  city.  The  people  of  the  world  in  general  must 
adhere  to  that  which  is  revealed  and  hath  appeared,  so  that  they  may  attain 
to  the  real  freedom. 

The  greatest  foundations  upon  which  depends  the  administration  of 
people  are  the  following: 

First:  The  ministers  (counsellors,  members)  of  the  House  of  Justice 
must  promote  the  Most  Great  Peace,  in  order  that  the  world  may  be  freed 
from  onerous  expenditures.  This  matter  is  obligatory  and  indispensable, 
for  warfare  and  conflict  are  the  foundation  of  trouble  and  distress.  Etc., 
etc.  *  *  *  Baha'o'llah.    Tablet  of  the  World,  p.  27. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  TABLETS  TO  KINGS 

O  Rulers  of  America,  Presidents,  and  Governors  of  the  Republic  therein! 

Hearken  to  the  strains  of  the  dove  on  the  branch  of  eternity,  which  are 
vocal  with  the  melody  of,  "There  is  no  God  but  me,  the  everlasting,  the 
forgiver,  the  generous." 

Adorn  the  temple  of  dominion  with  the  embroidered  garment  of  justice 
and  virtue  and  its  head  with  the  diadem  of  the  celebration  of  your  Lord, 
the  creator  of  the  heaven  and  earth :  thus  doth  the  day-spring  of  the  names 
command  you  on  the  part  of  the  all-knowing  and  wise. 

The  promised  One  hath  appeared  in  this  exalted  station,  whereat 
smiled  the  mouths  of  existence  of  both  the  seen  and  the  unseen. 

O  people,  avail  yourselves  of  the  day  of  God !  Verily,  to  meet  Him  is 
indeed  better  unto  you  than  that  upon  which  the  sun  riseth,  were  ye  of 
those  who  know! 

O  concourse  of  Statesmen!  Hearken  unto  that  voice  which  is  raised 
from  the  day-spring  of  greatness  that:  "There  is  no  God  but  me,  the 
speaker,  the  all-knowing!" 

Assist  with  the  hands  of  justice  the  broken-hearted  (oppressed)  and 
crush  the  great  oppressors  with  the  scourges  of  the  commands  of  your  Lord, 
the  powerful,  the  wise!  Baha'o'llah.    Tablet  to  America. 

*  *  *  Remember!  Where  is  he  who  was  greater  than  thou  and  of 
more  honor  and  dignity,  and  where  are  his  possessions?     (Napoleon  the 


16  COMPILATION 

Third.)  Awake  and  be  not  of  those  who  sleep!  Verily  he  (Napoleon) 
put  behind  him  the  Tablet  of  God  when  We  informed  him  of  what  had 
befallen  Us  on  the  part  of  the  soldiers  of  oppression.  Therefore  humilia- 
tion surrounded  him  from  all  sides  until  he  fell  to  dust  with  great  loss. 

Awake!  Consider  his  condition  and  remember  those  like  you  who  have 
in  past  times  subdued  the  coimtries  and  governed  the  people.  Verily, 
God  hath  made  them  descend  from  palaces  to  graves.  Consider  and  be 
of  the  mindful!  Verily,  we  desire  naught  of  you,  but  we  advise  you  for 
God's  sake,  and  We  will  be  patient  as  We  have  been  through  that  which  has 
befallen  Us  on  your  part,  O  ye  assemblies  of  Rulers !  *  *  * 

(Frederick  3rd,  then  Crown  Prince  of  Germany,  during  a  pilgrimage  to 
Syria,  ignored  Acca  and  the  "  Great  Invitation,"  and  for  this  he  was  warned 
in  a  message  from  Baha'o'llah  that  he  should  never  rule  his  country.  He 
was  crowned  on  his  sick  bed  and  died  three  months  later  without  having 
actually  ruled  Germany  a  single  day. 

Baha'o'llah  revealed,  in  a  Tablet  to  this  sovereign  the  following  con- 
cerning his  empire:  "O  banks  of  the  river  Rhine!  We  have  seen  ye 
drenched  in  gore,  because  the  swords  of  retribution  were  drawn  against  ye; 
and  ye  shall  have  another  trouble.  And  we  hear  the  lamentation  of  Berlin, 
though  it  be  today  in  manifest  glory.") 
Baha'o'llah.     Extract  from  Tablet  to  Emperor  of  Germany,  1872-73. 

*  *  *  O  people!  Do  not  promise  that  which  ye  do  not  fulfill,  other- 
wise what  difference  between  you  and  those  who  say,  "God  is  our  Lord," 
but  when  He  came  in  the  shadow  of  the  clouds  they  turned  away  and  felt 
themselves  great  against  God,  the  precious,  the  learned. 

O  people!  Do  not  shed  blood  and  sentence  not  any  one  save  according 
to  justice;  thus  are  ye  commanded  on  the  part  of  the  All-knowing,  the 
Informed. 

Verily,  those  who  work  sedition  on  earth,  after  its  reformation,  they 
have  gone  beyond  what  was  limited  in  the  Book.  What  a  bad  abode  is 
that  of  the  oppressors!  Every  soul  is  commanded  by  God  to  deliver  the 
truth  and  work  out  His  Cause.  Those  who  comply  with  this  high  com- 
mand should  first  characterize  themselves  with  the  best  characteristics 
and  attributes  and  then  try  to  deliver  the  truth  to  the  people,  who  will  im- 
doubtedly  be  attracted  by  the  words  of  such  teachers,  if  they  be  truth 
seekers;  otherwise  his  words  will  not  have  the  least  effect  in  the  hearts  of 
the  worshipers  of  God.  Thus  doth  God  teach  you,  verily.  He  is  the  par- 
doner, the  merciful.  Those  who  do  wrong  and  oppress  others,  and  at  the 
same  time  command  the  people  to  be  just,  will  by  their  own  words  be  ac- 
cused of  lying  and  declared  to  be  liars  by  the  people  of  the  Kingdom,  and 
by  those  who  go  about  the  throne  of  thy  Lord. 

*  *  *  This  is  a  day  wherein  the  fire  speaketh  through  all  things:  "The 
Beloved  of  the  two  worlds  hath  come."  And  on  the  part  of  everything  an 
interlocutor  of  the  matter  hath  sprung  up  to  listen  to  the  Word  of  thy  Lord, 
the  precious,  the  knowing. 

Verily,  should  we  come  out  of  the  garment  which  We  have  worn  for  the 
sake  of  your  weakness  all,  whosoever  is  in  the  heaven  and  on  the  earth, 
would  not  hesitate  to  redeem  me  by  their  souls,  and  to  this  thy  Lord  bear- 


BAHA'0'LL.\H  17 

eth  witness;  but  no  one  hears  Him  save  those  who  have  severed  themselves 
from  the  world  through  the  love  of  God,  the  mighty,  the  powerful.  Dost 
thou  imagine  that  thou  canst  quench  the  fire  which  God  hath  kindled  in 
the  horizons?  No,  by  Himself,  the  true  One,  wert  thou  of  those  who  know ! 
Rather  by  that  which  thou  hast  done  its  burning  is  increased  to  a  blaze, 
and  it  shall  encompass  the  earth  and  whomsoever  is  thereupon.  Thus 
hath  the  matter  been  decreed,  and  whosoever  is  in  the  heavens  and  on  the 
earth  could  not  withstand  His  command. 

The  land  of  mystery  (Adrianople)  and  what  is  beside  it  shall  be  changed 
and  shall  pass  out  of  the  hands  of  the  king  (Sultan  of  Turkey)  and  com- 
motions shall  appear  and  lamentations  shall  arise  and  corruptions  shall 
become  manifest  on  all  sides,  and  matters  shall  be  altered  by  reason  of  that 
which  hath  come  on  the  hearts  from  the  hosts  of  the  oppressors.  The 
authority  shall  be  changed  and  the  matter  shall  become  grievous  to  such 
an  extent  that  the  sand  heaps  in  the  desolate  hills  shall  lament  and  the 
trees  on  the  mountains  weep,  and  blood  shall  flow  from  all  things,  and  thou 
shalt  see  the  people  in  great  disturbance.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  Today,  this  Servant  hath  assuredly  come  to  vivify  the  world  and 
bring  to  union  whomsoever  is  upon  the  surface  of  the  whole  earth.  That 
which  God  willeth  shall  overcome  and  thou  shalt  see  the  earth  as  the  garden 
of  el-Abha;  thus  hath  it  been  written  by  the  Pen  of  Command  in  an  ir- 
revocable Tablet.  *  *  *  Leave  the  mention  of  the  chief,  then  mention  the 
friend  who  became  accustomed  to  the  love  of  God  and  separated  himself 
from  those  who  associated  other  things  with  God  and  were  of  the  lost. 
He  rent  asunder  the  veil  in  such  wise  that  the  people  of  paradise  heard  the 
rending  thereof.  *  *  *  Glory  be  to  God,  the  King,  the  all-knowing,  the 
wise.  Baha'o'llah.     Extract  from  Tablet  to  Rais. 

O  Assembly  of  Kings !  Verily  we  see  you  increasing  your  expenditures 
every  year  and  placing  the  burden  thereof  on  your  subjects;  this  is  naught 
but  manifest  injustice.  Fear  the  sighs  of  the  oppressed  and  his  tears  and 
do  not  burden  your  subjects  above  that  which  they  can  bear,  neither  ruin 
them  to  build  up  your  palaces.  Choose  for  them  that  which  ye  choose  for 
yourselves;  thus  do  we  expound  unto  you  that  which  will  profit  you,  if  ye 
are  of  those  who  enquire.  They  are  your  treasurers.  Beware  lest  ye  ex- 
ercise over  them  that  which  God  hath  never  done,  and  entrust  such  treas- 
uries into  the  hands  of  thieves.  By  them  ye  eat,  rule  and  conquer,  and 
still  you  make  yourselves  great  against  them.  Verily,  this  is  naught  but 
an  astonishment. 

Having  rejected  this  Most  Great  Peace,  it  behooveth  you  to  be  at  peace 
among  yourselves;  perchance  your  affairs  may  be  thereby  improved;  also 
to  a  certain  degree  the  affairs  of  those  who  are  under  your  shadow. 

O  Assembly  of  Rulers!  Improve  the  accordance  among  you;  then 
you  will  need  neither  many  soldiers  nor  their  accoutrements,  but  to  a  cer- 
tain degree  whereby  ye  will  protect  your  empires  and  countries. 

Beware  lest  ye  lay  aside  that  of  which  ye  were  admonished  on  the  part 
of  the  Learned  the  Faithful. 

Be  united,  O  Assembly  of  kings,  for,  by  this,  the  winds  of  disagree- 
ments existing  among  you  will  subside  and  your  subjects  and  those  around 
you  will  be  at  rest,  were  ye  of  those  who  know. 


18  COMPILATION 

If  a  certain  one  amongst  you  should  rise  against  the  other,  arise  all  of 
you  and  oppose  him,  for  this  is  naught  but  manifest  justice. 

Should  any  one  seek  refuge  in  your  shadow  have  him  protected  and 
betray  him  not,  thus  admonishes  you  the  Supreme  Pen  on  the  part  of  the 
Learned,  the  Wise. 

Baha'o'llah.     Extract  from  the  Tablet  to  Queen  Victoria,  1865. 

As  for  those  who  work  sedition  in  the  earth  and  shed  blood,  and  falsely 
consume  men's  wealth,  we  are  quit  of  them,  and  we  ask  God  not  to  asso- 
ciate us  with  them  either  in  this  world  or  in  the  world  to  come,  unless  they 
repent  unto  Him.     Verily  He  is  the  most  merciful  of  the  merciful! 

Verily,  it  behooveth  him  to  turn  towards  God,  to  be  distinguished 
in  all  actions  from  what  is  apart  from  Him,  and  to  conform  to  that  which 
is  enjoined  upon  him  in  the  Books:  thus  is  the  matter  decreed  in  a  per- 
spicuous Book. 

As  for  such  as  cast  the  command  of  God  behind  their  backs  and  follow 
after  their  lusts,  they  are  in  grievous  error. 

*  *  *  Verily  those  who  surround  thee  love  thee  for  their  own  sakes, 
while  this  servant  loves  thee  for  thine  o"v\ti  sake,  nor  doth  he  desire  aught 
save  that  He  may  bring  thee  nigh  unto  the  station  of  grace  and  turn  thee 
unto  the  right  hand  of  justice.  Thy  Lord  is  witness  unto  that  which  I 
say.  Tablet  to  Shah. 

*  *  *  Look  upon  the  past  ages  and  generations  and  consider!  Where 
are  Alexander  and  his  peers?  Where  are  their  victorious  banners  and  their 
hoisted  flags .f^  Where  are  their  pointed  spears  and  their  flying  arrows.? 
Where  are  their  stretched  necks  and  their  lofty  palaces  .'*  Where  are  their 
pitched  tents  and  their  spread  and  raised  pavilions.'^  Where  are  their 
effectual  orders  and  their  high  strongholds?  Where  is  the  clanking  of  their 
swords  and  the  neighing  of  their  horses?  Where  are  the  warblings  of  their 
birds  and  the  songs  of  their  singers?  Where  are  the  cooings  of  their  doves 
and  the  murmurings  of  their  rivers?  Where  is  he  whose  power  has  terri- 
fied the  world  and  whose  oppression  has  troubled  nations?  Where  is  he 
who  boasted  of  authority  and  turned  away  from  the  Kingdom?  Where  is 
he  who  was  overtaken  with  vain  deceit  until  he  turned  his  back  to  the 
Kingdom  of  might?  Where  is  he  who  ruled  over  all  regions?  Where 
is  he  who  violated  the  Covenant?  Where  are  the  excellent  beauties  of 
graceful  and  elegant  statures?  Where  are  the  palaces  of  the  Kaisers  and 
the  Chiefs  of  the  Pharoahs?  Where  is  the  might  of  Khosroes  (Cyruses) 
and  the  power  of  the  giants?  Where  is  he  who  was  deluded  by  the  ranks 
and  file  of  his  armies,  seeing  thousands  of  men  behind  him?  Where  is  he 
who  fled  away  in  the  atmosphere  of  deceits  and  turned  away  from  the  King 
of  resurrection?  Where  are  their  powers,  energies,  might  and  potencies? 
Where  are  their  treasures,  ornaments,  gold,  commands  and  temples? 

Verily,  God  has  brought  them  down  from  the  highest  chambers  of  their 
palaces  to  the  lowest  abj^sses  of  their  graves, 

*  *  *  We  have  forbidden  all  to  work  sedition  and  strife,  and  ordain  that 
victory  be  gained  only  through  commemoration  and  explanation.  Thus 
hath  the  matter  been  decreed  from  before  the  merciful  in  His  e^'ident  and 
clear  Book. 

Baha'o'llah.    A  joint  Tablet  revealed  for  fifty-three  of  His  followers. 


HOLY  UTTERANCES  OF  ABDUL  BAHA 

PRAYER 

0  Thou  Almighty  Lord! 

Strengthen  all  mankind  that  they  may  do  according  to  the  instruc- 
tions and  teachings  recorded  in  these  writings,  so  that  wars  and  strifes 
may  be  eliminated  from  the  world  of  man;  that  the  roots  of  enmity  may 
be  destroyed  and  the  foundations  of  love  and  affection  be  established; 
that  the  hearts  may  be  filled  with  love  and  the  souls  be  attracted;  that 
wisdom  may  advance  and  the  faces  become  brightened  and  illumined; 
and  that  reconciliation  and  peace  appear;  that  the  unity  of  the  world  of 
man  may  pitch  its  tent  on  the  "apex  of  the  horizons,"  so  that  peoples 
and  parties  become  as  one  nation;  that  different  continents  become  as 
one  continent  and  the  whole  earth  as  one  land;  that  the  sects  of  antago- 
nizing and  dogmatic  religions  be  unified;  that  the  world  of  creation  be 
adorned  and  all  the  people  of  the  earth  abide  in  unity  and  peace. 

Verily,  Thou  art  the  giver,  the  bestower,  the  beholder! 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablets,  Vol.  I. 

PROPHECIES 

It  is  recorded  in  the  blessed  Gospel:  Travel  ye  throughout  the  world 
and  call  ye  the  people  to  the  Kingdom  of  God! 

Now  this  is  the  time  that  you  may  arise  and  perform  this  most  great 
service  and  become  the  cause  of  the  guidance  of  innumerable  souls.  Thus 
through  this  superhuman  service  the  rays  of  peace  and  conciliation  may 
illumine  and  enhghten  all  the  regions  and  the  world  of  humanity  may 
find  peace  and  composure. 

During  my  stay  in  America  I  cried  out  in  every  meeting  and  sum- 
moned the  people  to  the  propagation  of  the  ideals  of  universal  peace. 

1  said  plainly  that  the  continent  of  Europe  had  become  like  unto  an 
arsenal  and  its  conflagration  was  dependent  upon  one  spark,  and  that  in 
the  coming  years,  or  within  two  years,  all  that  which  is  recorded  in  Reve- 
lation of  John  and  the  Book  of  Daniel  would  become  fulfilled  and  come  to 
pass.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p.  85. 

Isaiah,  chapter  II,  verses  1  to  10:  *  *  *  This  rod  out  of  the  stem 
of  Jesse  might  be  correctly  applied  to  Christ,  for  Joseph  was  of  the  de- 
scendants of  Jesse  the  father  of  David;  but  as  Christ  found  existence 
through  the  spirit  of  God  he  called  himself  the  son  of  God.  If  he  had 
not  done  so  this  description  would  refer  to  him.  Besides  this,  the  events 
which  he  indicated  as  coming  to  pass  in  the  days  of  that  rod,  if  interpreted 
symbolically,  were  in  part  fulfilled  in  the  day  of  Christ,  but  not  all;  and 
if  not  interpreted,  then  decidedly  none  of  these  things  happened. 

For  example,  the  leopard  and  the  lamb,  the  lion  and  the  calf,  the  child 
and  the  asp,  are  metaphors  and  symbols  for  various  nations,  peoples, 
antagonistic  sects  and  hostile  races  who  are  as  opposite  and  inimical  as 
the  wolf  and  the  lamb.  We  say  that  by  the  breath  of  the  spirit  of  Christ 
they  found  concord  and  harmony;  they  were  vivified  and  they  associated 
together. 


20  COMPILATION 

But,  "they  shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all  My  holy  mountain:  for 
the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea."  These  conditions  did  not  prevail  in  the  time  of  the  manifesta- 
tion of  Christ;  for  today  various  and  antagonistic  nations  exist  in  the 
world,  very  few  acknowledge  the  God  of  Israel  and  the  greater  number 
are  without  the  knowledge  of  God.  In  the  same  way  universal  peace  did 
not  come  into  existence  in  the  time  of  Christ;  that  is  to  say,  between 
the  antagonistic  and  hostile  nations  there  was  neither  peace  nor  concord; 
disputes  and  disagreements  did  not  cease  and  reconciliation  and  sincerity 
did  not  appear.  So,  even  in  this  day,  amongst  the  Christian  sects  and 
nations  themselves,  enmity,  hatred  and  the  most  violent  hostility  are 
met  with. 

But  in  this  marvelous  cycle  the  earth  will  be  transformed  and  the 
world  of  humanity  arrayed  in  peace  and  beauty.  Disputes,  quarrels 
and  murders  will  be  replaced  by  harmony,  truth  and  concord;  among 
the  nations,  peoples,  races  and  countries,  love  and  amity  will  appear. 
Co-operation  and  union  will  be  established  and  finally  war  will  be  entirely 
suppressed. 

When  the  laws  of  the  Most  Holy  Book  are  enforced,  contentions  and 
disputes  will  find  a  final  sentence  of  absolute  justice  before  a  general 
tribunal  of  the  nations  and  kingdoms  and  the  difficulties  that  appear  will 
be  solved.  The  five  continents  of  the  world  will  form  but  one,  the  numer- 
ous nations  will  become  one,  the  surface  of  the  earth  will  become  one  land 
and  mankind  will  be  a  single  community.  The  relations  between  the 
countries,  the  mingling,  union  and  friendship  of  the  peoples  and  com- 
munities will  reach  to  such  a  degree  that  the  human  race  will  be  like  one 
family  and  kindred.  The  light  of  heavenly  love  will  shine  and  the  dark- 
ness of  enmity  and  hatred  will  be  dispelled  from  the  world.  Universal 
peace  will  raise  its  tent  in  the  center  of  the  earth  and  the  blessed  tree  of 
life  will  grow  and  spread  to  such  an  extent  that  it  will  overshadow  the 
East  and  the  West.  Strong  and  weak,  rich  and  poor,  antagonistic  sects 
and  hostile  nations,  which  are  like  the  wolf  and  the  lamb,  the  leopard 
and  kid,  the  lion  and  the  calf,  will  act  towards  each  other  with  the  most 
complete  love,  friendship,  justice  and  equity.  The  world  will  be  filled 
with  science,  with  the  knowledge  of  the  reality  of  the  mysteries  of  beings, 
and  with  the  knowledge  of  God.  *  *  * 

One  of  the  great  events  which  is  to  occur  in  the  day  of  the  manifesta- 
tion of  that  incomparable  Branch,  is  the  hoisting  of  the  standard  of  God 
among  all  nations:  meaning  that  all  the  nations  and  tribes  will  come  under 
the  shadow  of  this  divine  banner,  which  is  no  other  than  the  lordly  Branch 
itself,  and  will  become  a  single  nation.  The  antagonism  of  faiths  and 
religions,  the  hostilities  of  races  and  peoples  and  the  patriotic  differences 
will  be  eradicated  from  amongst  them.  All  will  become  one  religion, 
one  faith,  one  race  and  one  single  people  and  will  dwell  in  one  native  land, 
which  is  the  terrestrial  globe.  Universal  peace  and  concord  will  be  realized 
between  all  the  nations  and  that  incomparable  Branch  will  gather  together 
all  Israel:  signifying  that  in  this  cycle  Israel  will  be  gathered  in  the  Holy 
Land  and  that  the  Jewish  people  who  are  scattered  to  the  east  and  west, 
south  and  north  will  be  assembled  together. 

Abdul  Baha.     Some  Answered  Questions,  p.  73. 


ABDUL  BAHA  21 

Rev.  16:17.  The  seventh  angel  poured  out  his  influence  upon  all  the 
world. 

It  is  said  that  he  poured  it  on  the  air,  because  the  air  fills  every  place, 
and  the  continuing  verses  mean  the  Great  War  that  is  to  come.  After 
this  war  everything  will  be  at  peace. 

Abdul  Baha.     Notes  of  I.  B.,  1909,  Acca. 

TABLET  TO  THE  EAST  AND  THE  WEST 

O  ye  people  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha! 

There  are  two  influences  tending  toward  prosperity  and  progress 
which  emanate  from  the  forefront  of  advancement  of  the  world  of  human- 
ity. They  remind  the  negligent  and  awaken  them  that  sleep,  give  sight 
to  the  blind,  hearing  to  the  deaf,  power  of  utterance  to  the  mutes  and  life 
to  the  dead. 

One  is  the  influence  of  civilization,  that  development  of  the  world  of 
nature  that  concerns  the  material  life  of  man.  It  promotes  physical 
advancement  and  cultivates  the  social  virtues.  The  laws  and  deductions 
of  science,  so  indispensable  to  progress,  are  the  product  of  lofty  thoughts 
of  sound  minds,  the  accumulated  results  of  the  efforts  of  ancient  and 
modern  scholars.  The  most  effective  power  for  the  promotion  and  dis- 
semination of  this  influence  is  just  government. 

The  other  is  the  Divine  influence,  the  holy  and  spiritual  revelations 
which  insure  eternal  glory,  everlasting  happiness,  the  illumination  of  the 
world,  the  appearance  of  merciful  phenomena  in  the  world  of  humanity 
and  perpetual  life.  The  fundamental  basis  thereof  is  the  teachings  and 
the  precepts  of  the  prophets,  the  dictates  and  attraction  of  the  conscience, 
which  belong  to  the  realm  of  morality.  Like  unto  the  lamp  they  illuminate 
and  brighten  the  depths  and  recesses  of  human  realities.  The  effective 
power  of  this  is  the  Word  of  God! 

But  the  advancement  o  civilization,  material  perfections  and  human 
virtues  will  bear  no  fruit  or  result  unless  joined  to  the  spiritual  perfections, 
merciful  qualities  and  sound  morals  and  the  happiness  of  the  human  world, 
which  is  the  original  goal,  will  not  be  attained.  For  although  through 
the  advancement  of  civilization  and  the  adornment  and  refinement  of  the 
material  world  happiness  is  realized,  and  the  sight  of  hopes  fulfilled  in 
perfect  beauty  wins  the  heart,  yet,  concomitantly,  great  dangers,  severe 
ordeals  and  awful  catastrophes  are  involved. 

Now  when  ye  behold  the  order  and  regularity  of  countries,  cities  and 
villages,  the  attractive  adornment,  the  delicacy  of  the  blessings,  the  suita- 
bility of  implements,  the  ease  of  transportation  and  traveling,  the  exten- 
sion of  knowledge  of  the  facts  of  the  world  of  nature,  the  great  inventions 
and  gigantic  undertakings  and  the  fine  and  artistic  discoveries,  ye  shall 
say  that  civilization  is  the  cause  of  happiness  and  the  development  of 
the  human  world. 

Yet  again  when  ye  glance  over  the  inventions  of  infernal  instruments 
of  destruction,  the  creation  of  forces  of  ruin,  the  discovery  of  fiery  means 
which  cut  at  the  root  of  life,  it  becomes  plainly  evident  that  civilization 
is  twin  with  savagery  and  a  concomitant  thereof,  unless  material  civiliza- 
tion be  aided  by  divine  guidance,  merciful  appearance,  heavenly  thoughts, 


22  COMPILATION 

and  becomes  joined  to  the  spiritual  states,  the  perfections  of  the  kingdom 
(of  God)  and  the  divine  bounties. 

Now  consider  how  the  most  civihzed  and  populous  countries  of  the 
world  have  become  storehouses  of  infernal  articles,  guns,  etc.,  the  domin- 
ions of  the  world  a  great  barracks,  the  nations  of  the  world  armed  hosts, 
and  the  kings  thereof  commanding  generals  of  the  battlefield.  Thus 
hath  the  human  world  fallen  into  a  great  calamity. 

Therefore  this  civilization  and  material  development  must  be  led  by 
the  great  guidance;  the  mundane  world  must  be  made  the  place  for  the 
appearance  of  the  bounties  of  the  kingdom;  material  advancement  must 
be  made  twin  with  merciful  revelation.  Thus  may  the  human  world 
appear  as  the  representative  of  the  heavenly  assembly  on  the  plane  of 
existence,  and  the  exposition  of  divine  evidence  may  reveal  itself  in  the 
greatest  sweetness  and  loveliness.  Thus  may  eternal  happiness  and  glory 
find  realization. 

Praise  be  to  God!  For  centuries  and  cycles  the  banner  of  ci\dlization 
has  been  raised,  the  human  world  has  day  by  day  advanced  and  developed, 
the  material  world  has  flourished  and  outward  perfections  increased  until 
now  the  world  of  human  existence  has  attained  great  capacity  for  the 
spiritual  teachings  and  the  divine  summons. 

To  illustrate:  When  a  suckling  babe  has  passed  through  the  material 
grades  and  has  attained  physical  growth  and  development,  the  body 
reaches  the  grade  of  maturity  and  attains  capacity  for  the  manifestation 
of  ideal  perfections  and  intellectual  virtues.  Then  the  signs  of  the  endow- 
ment of  perception,  intelligence  and  knowledge,  and  the  spiritual  forces 
appear. 

Likewise  in  the  general  world,  when  mankind  accomplished  physical 
development,  traveled  through  the  grades  of  civilization  and  attained 
the  human  wonders,  virtues  and  endowments  in  their  most  consummate 
form,  it  attained  capacity  for  the  appearance  and  extension  of  the  spiritual 
divine  perfections  and  obtained  worthiness  for  hearing  the  divine  sum- 
mons. Then  the  ensign  of  the  Kingdom  was  raised,  spiritual  virtues  and 
perfections  became  manifest,  the  Sun  of  Reality  arose,  the  light  of  the 
Most  Great  Peace  dawned,  the  solidarity  of  the  human  world  was 
realized.  We  hope  that  the  radiation  of  these  lights  may  day  by  day 
become  intensified  and  these  ideal  virtues  magnified.  Thus  may  the 
great  achievement  of  the  human  world  become  evident  and  manifest, 
and  the  beloved  of  the  love  of  God  may  become  with  the  utmost  sweetness 
and  beauty  the  representatives  of  the  (heavenly)  assemblage. 

O  ye  friends  of  God !  Know  ye  verily,  that  the  happiness  of  the  world 
of  humanity  is  dependent  upon  the  unity  and  solidarity  of  mankind,  and 
that  material  and  spiritual  progress  both  rest  upon  universal  friendliness 
and  love  ^mong  human  individuals. 

Consider  other  living  beings:  that  is  to  say,  the  animals  that  graze 
or  fly,  and  those  that  are  ferocious.  The  individual  of  every  ferocious 
kind  is  separated  from  its  kin  and  the  members  of  the  same  species,  and 
lives  in  loneliness.  They  exercise  the  utmost  opposition  and  ferocity 
towards  each  other.  When  they  chance  to  meet  they  immediately  engage 
in  contention  and  fighting  and  use  their  claws  and  sharpen  their  teeth 
by  ferocity,  such  as  atrocious  lions  and  bloodthirsty  wolves.  Thus  do  the 
ferocious  animals  that  live  solitary  and  fight  for  their  living. 


ABDUL  BAHA  23 

But  as  to  the  tame,  domestic  animals  of  good  nature  and  pure  tem- 
peraments, such  as  those  that  fly  and  those  that  graze,  they  associate 
with  each  other  with  the  utmost  love  —  company  by  company  they  live 
together.  They  spend  their  time  in  the  greatest  happiness,  joy  and  glad- 
ness. The  thankful  birds  which  are  content  with  a  few  grains,  practise 
the  utmost  joyousness  towards  one  another,  and  sing  myriads  of  melodies 
upon  the  pleasant  plains,  mountains  and  valleys.  Likewise  the  animals 
that  graze,  like  the  sheep,  deer  and  rabbit,  live  in  a  state  of  greatest  friend- 
liness and  fellowship,  with  happiness  and  unity  in  the  pasturage  of  the 
green  tablelands.  But  the  dogs,  wolves,  tigers  and  the  bloodthirsty 
hyenas  and  other  ferocious  animals  shun  each  other  and  wander  lonely 
after  their  prey.  Even  when  the  animals  that  graze  and  fly  come  to  each 
other's  den  or  nest  there  is  no  opposition  and  estrangement  manifested, 
nay  rather,  they  treat  one  another  with  the  utmost  friendliness  and  affec- 
tion. On  the  contrary,  when  a  ferocious  animal  approaches  the  den  of 
one  of  its  kind  the  two  engage  in  contention,  even  if  one  passes  through 
the  neighborhood  of  the  other,  it  is  at  once  attacked  and  if  possible  de- 
stroyed. 

Therefore  it  becomes  evident  that  friendliness  and  love  even  in  the 
animal  kingdom  are  the  result  of  good  nature,  pure  temperament  and 
gentle  behavior;  while  discord  and  estrangement  characterize  the  fero- 
cious brutes  of  the  plains. 

The  Almighty  God  has  not  created  in  man  the  claws  and  teeth  of  the 
lion;  nay,  the  human  existence  is  made  and  fashioned  after  the  best  form 
and  for  the  most  consummate  innate  virtues.  Therefore,  it  behooves 
man  in  homage  for  this  creation  and  gratitude  for  this  bestowal  that  he 
should  exercise  friendship  and  love  for  his  kind;  nay  more,  he  should 
treat  all  living  beings  with  justice  and  equity. 

Again  consider  that  the  comfort,  joy,  rest  and  happiness  of  mankind 
come  from  love  and  unity;  that  contentions  and  disputes  are  the  greatest 
causes  of  distress,  misery,  tribulation  and  unhappiness.  But  a  thousand 
times  alas,  that  humanity  is  ignorant  and  negligent  concerning  these 
matters,  and  every  day  becomes  metamorphosed  into  the  character  of  a 
savage  animal,  one  day  a  ferocious  tiger,  again  a  coiling  and  repulsive 
serpent. 

The  sublimity  of  man  is  derived  from  the  quahties  and  virtues  which 
characterize  the  angels  of  the  Supreme  Concourse.  Therefore,  when  good 
qualities  and  virtuous  attributes  appear  in  man,  he  is  verily  a  heavenly- 
personage,  an  angel  of  the  kingdom,  a  divine  reality,  a  merciful  mani- 
festation. And  when  he  does  contend  and  thirst  for  blood,  he  exceeds 
in  ferocity  the  basest  of  brutes,  for  while  the  bloodthirsty  wolf  will  devour 
one  sheep  in  the  night,  in  that  time  man  will  make  away  with  a  thousand 
victims.  For  man  has  two  aspects:  one  the  sublimity  of  nature  and  in- 
tellectual qualities,  and  the  other  the  base  animality  and  imperfections 
of  passion. 

If  you  travel  through  the  continents  and  countries  of  the  world,  you 
will  see,  on  one  side,  the  signs  of  ruin  and  destruction  and  on  the  other 
the  signs  and  monuments  of  civilization  and  construction.  As  to  the 
ruin  and  destruction,  they  are  signs  of  contention  and  discord,  of  war  and 
battle.  But  order  and  construction  are  the  results  of  the  virtues  of  friend- 
liness and  concord. 


24  COMPILATION 

If  one  travel  in  the  central  desert  of  Asia  he  will  observe  how  many 
cities  as  great  and  populous  as  Paris  and  London  have  been  ruined.  From 
the  Caspian  Sea  to  the  River  Oxus  naught  is  to  be  seen  save  forlorn  and 
deserted  prairies  and  deserts.  The  Russian  railway  (Trans-Caspian 
R.  R.)  takes  two  days  and  two  nights  to  traverse  the  ruined  cities  and 
destroyed  villages  of  that  desert.  There  was  a  time  when  that  land  was 
very  populous  and  in  the  highest  state  of  civilization  and  development; 
science  and  knowledge  were  widespread,  the  arts  and  professions  estab- 
lished, commerce  and  agriculture  were  in  the  utmost  state  of  perfection 
and  civil  government  and  politics  well  organized.  Now,  all  this  great 
region  is  the  habitation  of  desolation  and  shelters  only  the  nomadic  Turco- 
man tribes  and  the  wandering  beasts  of  prey. 

The  cities  of  that  land,  as  Gorgan,  Tassa,  Abiavard  and  Shahrastan, 
were  once  famous  in  the  world  for  sciences,  knowledge,  professions,  wonders, 
wealth,  greatness,  happiness  and  virtue.  Now,  no  voice  or  murmur  is  to 
be  heard  in  all  that  land  save  the  roar  of  ferocious  brutes,  and  naught  to 
be  seen  save  the  wandering  wolves. 

This  ruin  and  destruction  was  occasioned  by  the  battles  and  murders 
of  the  wars  between  Iran  (Persia)  and  Turkan,  which  had  become  different 
in  customs  and  religion.  Their  godless  leaders  made  public  property  of 
the  blood,  the  belongings  and  privacy  of  each  other.  This  is  the  exposition 
of  one  instance. 

Then  when  you  travel  through  the  world  and  observe  it,  you  shall 
find  all  constructiveness  and  progressiveness  to  be  signs  of  friendliness  and 
love,  and  all  destructiveness  and  ruin  the  results  of  hatred  and  enmity. 

Notwithstanding  this  obvious  fact  the  human  w>rld  does  not  take 
warning  nor  wake  up  from  its  sleep  of  negligence.  Men  still  engage  in 
discord  and  contention;  they  organize  armed  forces  and  long  to  charge 
on  the  battlefield. 

Again  consider  organization  and  decomposition,  existence  and  non- 
existence. Every  being  is  composed  of  many  different  constituents,  the 
existence  of  everything  is  the  expression  of  organization.  That  is  to  say: 
when  by  divine  genesis  organization  of  certain  elements  occurs,  a  being  is 
produced.  All  existent  beings  are  after  this  fashion.  But  when  a  defect 
appears  in  that  compound  and  decomposition  sets  in,  the  parts  separate 
and  that  being  disintegrates  and  becomes  non-existent.  Thus  annihila- 
tion of  things  is  an  expression  of  their  decomposition  and  disintegration. 
The  affinity  and  organization  of  the  elements  makes  possible  the  existence. 

To  sum  up :  the  attraction  and  affinity  of  things  are  the  cause  of  fructi- 
fication and  production;  and  estrangement  and  disunion  among  things, 
the  cause  of  death  and  annihilation.  By  attraction  and  affinity  all  living 
beings  such  as  plants,  animals  and  men  are  realized.  From  disagreement 
and  estrangement  dissolution  results  and  annihilation  follows.  Verily, 
the  life  of  the  human  world  is  that  which  is  conducive  to  unity,  attraction 
and  concord  of  mankind. 

When  you  pass  a  farm  and  observe  a  prosperous  plantation  with 
symmetry  and  beauty,  full  of  plants  and  flowers,  with  an  organized  com- 
munity, ye  see  proof  of  the  fact  that  the  farm  and  garden  are  under  the 
care  and  cultivation  of  a  skillful  farmer;   but  if  ye  see  confusion  and  dis- 


ABDUL  BAHA  25 

order,  it  is  an  evidence  that  the  place  is  bereft  of  the  care  of  the  gardener 
and  a  wild  and  uncultivated  plantation  results. 

Therefore,  it  is  evident  that  unity  and  concord  are  the  result  of  the 
education  of  the  real  educator,  while  separation  and  dissension  are  evidence 
of  savagery  and  the  lack  of  the  training  of  God. 

If  an  opponent  objects,  saying:  The  nations,  peoples,  tribes  and  sects 
of  the  world  have  different  ethics,  morals,  conducts,  tastes  and  tempera- 
ments and  their  thoughts  and  opinions  vary,  how  then  can  real  unity 
become  realized  or  absolute  accord  among  humanity  be  established.'' 

We  will  say  that  difference  (or  disagreement)  is  of  two  kinds:  One 
sort  is  the  cause  of  annihilation  and  that  is  like  the  disagreement  of  warring 
nations  and  fighting  tribes  who  destroy  one  another,  ruin  homes,  and  cause 
comfort  and  peace  to  depart,  exhibiting  ferocity  and  bloodthirstiness. 
The  other  difference  is  an  expression  of  variety,  that  is  itself  perfection, 
and  the  means  of  manifesting  the  graces  of  the  All-Glorious. 

Look  at  the  flowers  of  the  gardens!  Although  members  of  different 
families,  having  various  colors,  different  forms  and  shapes,  yet  because 
they  absorb  the  selfsame  water  and  grow  and  thrive  by  the  same  breeze 
and  are  reared  by  the  same  heat  and  light  of  the  one  sun,  this  difference 
and  variety  produces  greater  beauty  and  grace,  and  each  appears  more 
beautiful  by  contrast  with  the  other. 

When  the  complete  proof,  which  is  the  effectiveness  of  the  Word  of 
God,  obtains,  this  difference  in  nature's  ethics,  habits  and  thoughts  results 
in  the  diversification  and  adornment  of  the  human  world.  Moreover 
this  difference  and  variety  is  inherent  and  innate  in  the  parts  and  members 
of  man,  which  afford  the  means  of  revealing  perfections.  And  since  these 
members  and  parts  (of  the  human  organism)  are  under  the  control  of  the 
king  of  the  spirit,  the  spirit  interpenetrates  the  parts  and  governs  even 
the  veins  and  arteries.  This  difference  and  variety  then  is  no  barrier  to 
oneness  and  love  governed  by  the  spirit.  This  diversity  is  indeed  the 
greatest  power  of  unity. 

Should  a  garden  have  its  trees  with  their  branches,  leaves,  blossoms  and 
fruit  all  of  one  kind,  color,  shape  and  arrangement,  it  would  have  no  beauty 
and  sweetness  whatever.  But  if  it  possess  various  hues,  different  leaves, 
blossoms  and  fruit,  each  will  intensify  the  decorative  effect  and  beauty 
of  the  other.  The  garden  will  become  perfect  and  excel  in  beauty,  deli- 
cacy, freshness,  sweetness  and  magnificence. 

Likewise,  the  difference  and  variety  of  thoughts,  opinions,  morals 
and  temperaments  of  the  human  world  when  under  the  guidance  of  the 
one  power  and  the  influence  of  the  word  of  oneness,  will  shine  forth  with 
the  utmost  greatness,  beauty,  sublimity  and  perfection. 

Today  no  power  save  the  great  power  of  the  Word  of  God,  which  com- 
prehends the  reality  of  things,  can  gather  together  under  the  shade  of 
the  same  tree  the  minds  and  hearts  of  the  world  of  humanity.  It  is  the 
motive  power  of  all  things;  it  is  the  mover  of  souls  and  the  controller 
and  governor  of  the  human  world. 

Praise  be  to  God !  Today  the  light  of  the  Word  of  God  shines  upon  all 
horizons.     From  every  nation,  tribe  and  denomination,  souls  are  coming 


26  COMPILATION 

under  the  influence  of  the  Word  of  God  and  have  agreed  and  united  with 
the  utmost  concord  and  harmony. 

Many  an  assembly  shall  be  organized  whose  members  will  be  repre- 
sentatives of  different  nations,  tribes  and  peoples.  If  one  attend  such 
a  meeting  he  will  be  surprised  and  will  imagine  that  those  present  are  of 
one  birth,  one  nation,  one  people,  with  the  same  thoughts  and  opinions; 
when,  as  a  matter  of  fact,  one  may  be  an  American,  another  a  European; 
one  from  Hindustan  (India),  another  from  Turkestan;  one  an  Arab, 
another  a  Tajik;  one  Persian,  another  Greek.  Notwithstanding  this 
they  consort  together  with  joy  and  sing  together  in  the  utmost  unity, 
harmony,  love  and  solidarity  in  liberty  and  wisdom.  This  is  through 
the  effect  of  the  Word  of  God. 

If  all  the  powers  of  the  world  should  convene  they  could  not  organize 
an  assembly  like  unto  these  assemblies.  Here  with  such  remarkable 
love,  attraction  and  zeal,  different  people  unite  in  one  assembly  and  raise 
their  voices  in  unison  in  the  center  of  the  world.  They  cause  the  abolish- 
ment of  war  and  murder,  and  the  realization  (and  establishment)  of  uni- 
versal peace,  and  the  friendliness  and  unity  of  the  world  of  humanity. 
Can  any  power  withstand  the  power  of  the  Word  of  God.^*  No,  verily, 
the  proof  is  clear  and  the  evidence  complete. 

If  a  soul  open  the  eye  of  equity  he  will  become  amazed  and  surprised 
and  will  testify  justly  that  all  the  nations  and  peoples  of  the  world  should 
be  grateful  and  thankful  to  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah.  For  these 
teachings  make  tame  every  ferocious  animal,  give  speed  to  those  who  only 
move,  transform  human  souls  into  angels  of  heaven  and  make  the  world 
of  humanity  the  center  of  the  manifestation  of  mercy.  All  are  compelled 
thereby  to  obey  and  be  loyal  to  the  government. 

Today  no  kingdom  in  all  the  world  is  confident  and  at  ease,  for  security 
and  confidence  have  disappeared  from  humanity.  Kings  and  subjects 
are  alike  in  danger. 

The  sect  today  which  obeys  the  government  with  perfect  religious 
honesty  and  practices  the  utmost  integrity  towards  the  nations  is  this 
oppressed  sect.  The  proof  thereof  is  the  following:  All  the  tribes  in 
Persia  and  Turkestan  are  thinking  of  their  own  petty  interests;  if  they 
obey  the  government  it  is  either  with  the  hope  of  favor  or  through  fear 
of  punishment.  But  the  Bahais  are  well  wishers  of  and  obedient  to  the 
powers  (or  governments),  and  are  loving  and  kind  to  all  nations. 

This  obedience  and  adherence  are  enjoined  as  duties  upon  all  by  the 
Beauty  of  Abha  (Baha'o'llah)  in  clear  texts.  Therefore,  in  compliance 
with  the  commandment  of  God  they  practice  the  utmost  honesty  and 
good-will  toward  the  governments.  If  any  man  commit  a  wrong  against 
the  government  he  must  hold  himself  responsible  before  God  and  consider 
himself  a  sinner  deserving  of  punishment.  Notwithstanding  this  it  is 
amazing  how  some  of  the  ministers  of  (political)  affairs  account  all  other 
sects  well  disposed,  but  the  Bahais  ill  disposed. 

Praise  be  to  God!  In  these  latter  days  when  a  great  general  uprising 
and  commotion  took  place  in  Teheran  and  other  cities  of  Iran  (Persia),  it 
was  clearly  evidenced  that  not  a  single  Bahai  interfered  in  these  affairs 
nor  troubled  the  populace,  and  for  this  reason  they  were  blamed  and 


ABDUL  BAHA  27 

criticized  by  others,  for  they  had  obeyed  the  Blessed  Beauty  (Baha'o'llah) 
and  interfered  not  at  all  in  political  matters  nor  disturbed  any  sect.  They 
were  occupied  with  their  own  affairs,  trades  and  professions. 

All  the  friends  of  God  testify  that  Abdul  Baha  is  entirely  true  to,  and 
exhibits  good-will  toward  the  governments  and  nations  of  the  world, 
especially  the  two  sublime  governments  of  the  East  (Persia  and  Turkey), 
for  these  two  countries  were  respectively  the  native  land  and  habitation 
of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah.  In  all  the  epistles  and  writings  He  has 
commended  and  praised  these  two  kingdoms,  and  has  asked  aid  for  them 
from  the  threshhold  of  oneness.  The  Beauty  of  Abha,  may  my  soul  be  a 
sacrifice  for  His  beloved!  prayed  in  behalf  of  their  majesties,  the  two 
sovereigns  (the  shah  and  the  sultan).  Praise  be  to  God!  Notwithstand- 
ing these  decisive  arguments  each  day  an  event  occurs  and  difficulties 
appear.  But  we  and  the  beloved  of  God  must  not  grow  lax  in  the  least 
in  our  honesty  and  good-will,  nay  rather,  in  the  utmost  devotion  and 
trustworthiness  remain  steadfast  in  our  sincerity  and  engage  in  philan- 
thropic prayers. 

O  beloved  of  God!  These  days  are  the  time  for  firmness  and  the 
period  for  steadfastness  and  constancy  in  the  Cause  of  God.  You  must 
not  look  upon  the  personality  of  Abdul  Baha,  for  he  will  eventually  bid 
ye  farewell.  Nay,  you  must  observe  the  Word  of  God.  If  the  Word  of 
God  is  in  the  ascendant,  be  happy,  joyous  and  thankful,  even  if  Abdul 
Baha  be  under  a  sword  or  beneath  fetters  and  chains;  for  importance  is 
in  the  holy  temple  of  the  Cause  of  God,  and  not  in  the  physical  mould  of 
Abdul  Baha. 

The  beloved  of  God  must  be  confirmed  with  such  a  firmness  that  if 
at  every  moment  a  hundred  like  Abdul  Baha  become  the  target  of  arrows 
no  change  should  occur  in  their  decision  or  intention,  no  transformation 
in  their  zeal  or  attraction  to  God,  and  no  abatement  in  their  occupation  in 
the  service  of  the  Cause  of  God. 

Abdul  Baha  is  the  servant  of  the  Word  of  the  Blessed  Beauty  and  the 
manifestation  of  absolute  servitude  in  the  threshold  of  the  Lord.  He  has 
no  other  station,  grade,  class  or  power.  This  is  my  utmost  hope,  my 
abiding  paradise,  my  Masjid-El-Aska*  (Most  Holy  Sanctuary)  and  my 
Sadrat-el  Montaha**  (Divine  guidance). 

The  great  Manifestation  was  fulfilled  and  consummated  in  the  Blessed 
Beauty  of  Abha  (Baha'o'llah),  and  His  Holiness  the  Supreme  (the  great 
Bab)  was  the  herald  of  the  Blessed  Beauty,  may  my  spirit  be  a  sacrifice 
to  them!  Thus  was  it  ended  and  for  a  thousand  years  all  shall  receive 
illumination  from  His  lights  and  obtain  (favor)  from  the  sea  of  His  favors, 

O  ye  beloved  of  God!     This  is  my  wish  for  ye  and   counsel   to  ye. 
Blessed  is  he  who  is  aided  by  God  to  comply  with  what  is  written  on  this  leaf. 
Upon  ye   be   Baha' o 'llah-el-Abha ! 

(Signed)     Abdul  Baha  Abbas. 

*  Masjid-el-Aska,  originally  a  Christian  church  and  afterward  turned  into  a  Mohamme- 
dan Mosque  by  the  Caliph  Omar,  attained  great  importance  in  the  devotional  estima- 
tion of  the  Mohammedans. 

*  *  Sadrat-el-Montaha  (the  furthermost  Tree)  referred  to  a  tree  planted  by  the  Arabs 
in  ancient  times  at  the  end  of  a  road,  to  serve  as  a  guide.  It  usually  refers  to  the 
Manifestations  of  God  on  earth.  Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  65. 


28  COMPILATION 


WAR  — CAUSES,  EFFECTS,  REMEDY 

*  *  *  With  the  appearance  of  the  truth  the  point  of  opposition  raised 
its  head.  The  former  gains  signal  victory,  the  other  goes  into  crushing 
defeat.  The  first  upraises  the  standard  of  guidance,  the  other  unfurls 
the  banner  of  error. 

One  is  divine  revelation;  the  other  satanic  suggestion.  The  first  leads 
us  into  the  paradise  of  peace;  the  second  hurls  us  headlong  into  the  hell 
of  war.       Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  2,  1913. 

God  has  given  to  man  the  wonderful  gift  of  scientific  knowledge,  by 
which  he  has  discovered  that  none  can  escape  this  law  except  man  him- 
self; he  alone  can  control,  can,  by  his  knowledge  and  power,  rise  above 
this  law.  He,  like  the  elephant,  lion,  tiger,  moves  and  has  his  being  upon 
the  surface  of  the  earth;  man,  alone,  all  powerful,  triumphs  over  the  law 
which  limits  him  to  the  surface.  He  dives  down  into  the  sea  in  sub- 
marines, he  rushes  over  the  ocean  in  ships;  he  flies  into  the  upper  air  in 
flying  machines;  he  traverses  great  continents  in  fast  rushing  trains; 
learning  more  and  more  to  defy  the  law  which  limits  his  progress.  Enor- 
mous distances  are  brought  together  in  these  days  by  telegraph  and  tele- 
phone, controlling  time  and  space.  The  forms  of  the  planets  are  captured 
by  photographs,  which  discover  much  that  was  invisible.  It  is  clear  that 
man  alone  is  able  to  control  the  laws  of  nature. 

Look  at  God's  great  gift  of  power  to  man,  by  which  he  is  able  to  do  so 
much  for  the  advancement  of  civilization!  Then  reflect  on  the  terrible 
misuse  of  this  divine  gift.  Instead  of  using  it  to  promote  love,  concord 
and  friendship  between  nations,  behold  how  destruction  receives  its 
weapons,  hatred  and  wholesale  slaughter  of  mankind  employs  the  inven- 
tions of  science;  instruments  for  committing  injustice  are  manufactured, 
swords  nstead  of  ploughshares  are  forged.     O,  the  pity  of  it  all! 

He  should  use  his  power  for  good,  to  bring  the  fruits  of  civilization 
into  the  possible  possession  of  all  men,  to  encourage  harmony  and  kind- 
ness, to  produce  concord  amongst  men;  for  this  reason  God  gave  this 
divine  gift.    Abdul  Baha.     Talk  given  in  Paris,  France,  October,  1911. 

*  *  *  Man  is  the  noblest  of  creatures.  He  is  possessed  of  the  mineral 
virtues  in  his  body.  He  is  possessed  of  the  vegetable  virtues,  to  wit:  the 
virtue  augmentative,  the  power  of  growth.  In  the  animal  kingdom  he 
presents  certain  qualities,  or  functions,  peculiar  to  the  animal  state,  because 
he  is  possessed  of  sensibilities,  plus  the  human  qualities,  and  that  is  a 
sound    mind. 

Considering  this  great  oneness,  is  it  behooving  that  man  should  ever 
think  of  strife  and  sedition .f'  Is  it  meet  that  he  should  wage  any  war  when 
all  phenomena  are  at  peace  and  interdependent.?  All  the  elements  are 
at  peace.  Is  it  meet  that  man,  who  is  the  noblest  of  creatures,  should 
remain  ferocious .f*     God  forbid  such  a  state! 


ABDUL  BAHA  29 

Consider,  when  these  contingent  elements  enjoy  a  state  of  commingling, 
or  fellowship,  then  the  result  is  life.  It  is  freshness,  it  is  radiance,  it  is 
comfort,  it  is  composure,  and  conducive  to  life. 

Just  now,  these  phenomena,  which  you  observe  here  and  there,  are 
all  at  peace.  The  sun  is  at  peace  with  the  earth  upon  which  it  shines. 
The  zephyrs  are  at  peace  with  the  trees.  The  elements  are  at  peace. 
When  the  least  injuiy  attacks  them,  when  the  least  inharmony  and  discord 
occur  among  them,  you  know  what  happens.  You  will  have  the  San 
Francisco  earthquake  and  fire, —  that  is  the  result  of  war  among  the  ele- 
ments. Just  a  little  quarreling  will  result  in  a  big  fire,  such  as  you  had 
in  San  Francisco  a  few  years  ago  and  all  its  attendant  losses.  This  is  in 
the  mineral  kingdom. 

Then  consider  what  will  be  the  result  of  discord,  sedition  and  war  in 
the  human  kingdom,  a  superior  kingdom  of  creation.  How  great  will  be 
the  attendant  catastrophes !  This  is  especially  so  when  we  regard  the  fact 
that  man  is  endowed  by  God  mth  mind  and  intellect.  Verily,  mind  is 
the  noblest  gift  of  God.  Verily,  it  is  a  faculty  which  is  an  effulgence 
of  God.     This  is  manifest  and  self-evident. 

For  instance,  consider  how  all  phenomena  other  than  man  are 
subjects  or  captives  of  nature.  They  cannot  de\'iate  one  hair's  breadth 
from  the  postulates  of  nature.  For  example,  the  sun,  although  colossal, 
is  a  captive  of  nature.  It  cannot  deviate  one  hair's  breadth  from  the 
laws  of  nature.  Likewise,  all  these  great  orbs  in  this  interminable  universe 
are  captives  of  nature.  They  cannot  deviate  one  hair's  breadth  from 
the  regulations  o:'  nature.  This  earth  of  ours,  this  planet,  is  subject  to 
nature.  The  mineral  kingdom  in  its  entirety  is  subject  to  nature.  The 
vegetable  kingdom,  with  all  its  processes  of  growth,  is  the  captive  of 
nature.  The  animal  kingdom  is  the  captive  of  nature.  The  elephant, 
large  as  it  is,  with  all  its  huge  body,  cannot  deviate  one  hair's  breadth 
from  the  institutes  of  nature. 

But  this  little  man,  small  as  he  is,  unth  his  weak  body,  because  he  is 
confirmed  by  the  mind,  which  is  an  effulgence  of  the  divine  effulgences, 
can  break  and  explode  the  laws  of  nature. 

For  example,  according  to  the  rules  of  nature,  man  was  destined  to  be 
a  denizen  of  the  earth.  He  was  to  inhabit  only  the  earth,  but  through 
the  application  of  his  mental  faculties  he  breaks  this  law,  becomes  a  bird 
and  soars  in  the  air.  He  becomes  a  fish  and  in  a  submarine  investigates 
the  secrets  of  the  sea;  or  he  builds  a  fleet  and  sails  over  the  seas  —  thus 
breaking  the  laws  of  nature. 

All  the  sciences  and  arts  which  you  now  enjoy  were  once  mysteries  of 
nature  and,  according  to  the  mandates  of  nature,  they  should  be  hidden 
and  latent.  The  human  intellect  has  broken  this  law  and  discovered 
the  realities  of  objects,  for  it  has  taken  these  mysteries  out  of  the  plane 
of  invisibility  and  has  brought  them  onto  the  plane  of  visibility  —  it  has 
classified  these  laws  —  this  is  contrary  to  the  postulates  of  nature. 

For  example,  electricity  was  once  one  of  the  hidden  or  latent  mysteries 
of  nature  and  it  would  have  remained  hidden  if  the  human  intellect  had 
not  discovered  it.  Man  has  broken  the  law  of  nature  and  out  of  that 
invisible  treasury  has  taken  this  energy  and  brought  it  onto  the  plane  of 


30  COMPILATION 

visibility.  Little  man  takes  such  a  rebellious  force  as  electricity  and 
arrests  it  in  an  incandescent  lamp.  This  is  extraordinary!  It  is  beyond 
the  ken  of  nature.  In  a  few  moments  the  East  can  communicate  with  the 
West.  This  is  a  miracle!  This  is  beyond  the  power  of  nature.  Man 
takes  the  voice  and  arrests  it  in  a  phonograph.  The  voice  naturally  should 
be  a  free  agency,  for  the  law  of  nature  thus  demands,  but  man  takes  it 
and  puts  it  in  a  box.     This  is  against  nature's  laws.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  Having  such  a  great  bestowal  of  God,  which  is  the  greatest 
potency  of  the  world,  is  it  becoming  of  us  to  remain  still  like  the  ferocious 
animals,  like  the  wolves  fighting  each  other,  killing  each  other.?  This  is 
contrary  to  the  natural  law  for  the  world  of  humanity. 

If  the  animals  exercise  ferocity,  it  is  simply  for  their  sustenance,  and 
they  are  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  intellect.  They  do  not  reason  and 
cannot  discriminate  between  justice  and  injustice,  therefore  they  are 
excusable.  But  man,  when  he  exercises  ferocity,  does  not  do  it  for  his 
food  or  sustenance.  He  does  it  for  greed.  Then  is  it  becoming  that  such 
a  noble  creature,  with  such  a  delightful  creation,  with  such  a  sound  mind, 
with  such  lofty  thoughts,  with  all  his  scientific  achievements,  with  all  these 
liberal  thoughts,  with  all  the  new  discoveries,  with  all  the  great  achieve- 
ments of  the  arts,  with  all  the  possibilities  facing  man  as  to  his  perceptions 
becoming  keener,  as  to  achieving  noble  things  in  life,  is  it  becoming  for 
him  to  go  on  to  the  battle  field,  to  spill  the  blood  of  his  fellowmen.'* 

Man  in  this  world  is  the  edifice  of  God.  He  is  not  a  human  edifice. 
If  you  destroy  an  edifice  built  by  man,  the  owner  of  the  house  will  feel 
grief  indeed  and  will  feel  wrathy  against  you.  How  much  more  when 
man  is  destroying  an  edifice  founded  by  God.  Undoubtedly  he  deserves 
the  wrath  of  God. 

God  has  created  man  noble.  God  has  created  man  a  dominant  factor 
in  creation.  He  has  specialized  man  with  particular  bestowals;  he  has 
conferred  upon  him  mind;  he  has  given  him  perception;  he  has  given  him 
the  faculty  of  memory,  the  faculty  of  discrimination;  he  has  endowed  him 
with  keen  perceptions,  the  five  senses.  With  all  his  good  gifts  to  man, 
which  were  to  make  him  the  manifestation  of  virtues,  which  were  to  make 
him  as  a  radiant  candle,  which  were  to  make  him  a  source  of  life,  which 
were  to  make  him  an  agency  of  constructiveness,  shall  we  now  destroy 
this  great  edifice  of  God.''  Shall  we  destroy  to  its  very  foundation,  this 
great  body-social  or  politic.'' 

When  we  are  not  captives  of  nature,  when  we  can  control  ourselves, 
shall  we  allow  ourselves  to  be  captives  of  nature  and  act  in  accordance 
with  the  exigencies  of  nature? 

In  nature  there  is  the  law  of  the  survival  of  the  fittest.  If  humanity 
be  not  educated  then,  according  to  the  natural  institutes,  the  law  of  the 
survival  of  the  fittest  will  demand  of  man  supremacy. 

What  is  the  object  of  all  the  schools  and  colleges?  What  is  the  basis 
for  the  universities?  They  are  for  the  purpose  of  rescuing  man  from  the 
exigencies  of  nature,  to  relieve  or  rescue  from  him  the  defects  of  nature, 
and  to  endow  him  with  the  capability  of  controlling  the  benefits  of  nature. 

Consider:  Were  you  to  relegate  this  plot  of  ground  here  to  nature, 
leave  it  in  its  primordial  status,  it  would  become  a  thorny  place  and  useless 


ABDUL  BAHA  31 

weeds  would  grow  therein;    but  when  we  cultivate  it,  it  becomes  fertile 
soil,  yielding  a  harvest.  *  *  * 

Therefore,  the  world  of  humanity  should  not  be  left  to  its  naturalism. 
It  has  need  of  education,  and  according  to  the  divine  education,  must  it  be 
educated.  The  holy,  divine  Manifestations  of  God,  were  teachers.  They 
were  the  gardeners  of  God,  in  order  that  they  might  transform  the  jungles 
into  fruitful  orchards  and  make  of  the  thorny  places  delightful  gardens. 
Then  what  is  the  particular  function  of  man.? 

It  is  that  man  should  rescue  himself,  save  himself,  from  the  defects 
of  nature,  and  become  qualified  with  the  ideal  virtues. 

Is  it  behooving  for  us  to  sacrifice  these  ideal  virtues  and  these  possi- 
bilities of  advancement?  God  has  endowed  us  with  a  power  whereby  we 
can  even  overcome  the  laws  of  nature.  Ours  is  the  power  to  wrest  the 
sword  from  nature's  hand  and  then  use  that  sword  against  nature  itself. 
Is  it  meet  that  we  should  be  captives  of  nature  still  and  fail  to  act  accord- 
ing to  the  exigencies  of  nature,  which  demand  the  law  of  the  survival  of 
the  fittest?  That  is,  shall  we  allow  no  difference  to  exist  between  us  and 
the  ferocious  animal,  but  continue  exercising  a  ferocity  like  unto  it? 

There  is  no  baser  state  than  that  of  the  ferocious  type.  There  is  no 
greater  degradation  for  man  than  this.  There  is  no  worse  debasement 
than  the  battlefield.  It  is  the  cause  of  the  wrath  of  God.  It  is  the  cause 
of  the  destruction  of  the  foundations  of  man. 

Praise  be  to  God!  I  find  myself  in  an  assemblage,  the  members  of 
which  are  all  peace-loving  and  advocates  of  international  peace,  the 
thoughts  of  all  being  for  the  oneness  of  humanity,  and  the  ambition  of  all 
being  to  render  service  to  the  cause  of  humanitarianism. 

Thus  I  supplicate  God  that  He  may  confirm  and  aid  you,  that  each 
one  of  you  may  at  last  become  a  professor  emeritus;  that  each  one  of  you 
may  become  the  cause  of  spreading  science;  that  each  one  of  you  may 
become  a  standard  bearer  for  peace  and  a  bond  connecting  the  hearts  of 
men. 

His  Holiness  Baha'o'Uah  fifty  years  ago  declared  the  necessity  of 
peace  among  the  nations,  and  the  necessity  of  liberalism  in  the  form  of 
peace  among  the  religions.  He  declared  the  necessity  of  peace  among  the 
races  and  peace  among  the  countries.  He  says  that  the  fundamental 
basis  of  all  religions  is  one;  that  religion  was  aimed  to  be  a  bond  to  unite 
in  fellowship  all  men;  that  the  differences  which  have  arisen  are  due  to 
blind  imitation  (or  dogma),  and  that  these  dogmatic  institutes  are  distinct 
from  the  foundations  of  the  prophets;  that  because  the  blind  imitations 
are  various,  they  have  caused  differences  and  sedition,  but  that  if  the 
reality  underlying  religious  teachings  should  be  investigated  all  the  reli- 
gions would  be  unified  —  that  religion  would  be  the  cause  of  unity  and 
accord,  the  cause  of  binding  together  the  hearts. 

If  a  religion  should  prove  to  be  the  cause  of  dissension  and  discord,  He 
declared  it  is  better  to  do  without  religion  entirely,  for  religion  then  is  a 
harm,  and  the  absence  of  that  which  is  a  harm  is  better  than  its  presence. 
Religion  was  destined  to  be  a  remedy  of  God.  It  was  to  be  a  panacea  for 
the  ails  of  humanity.  It  was  to  be  a  salve  for  the  wounds  of  man.  But 
if  its  misapplication,  or  misuse,  has  caused  such  havoc,  causing  battle 


32  COMPILATION 

and  war  among  men,  causing  bloodshed  among  humanity,  no  rehgion  is 
better  than  religion. 

He  emphasized  international  peace  exceedingly.  He  declared  humanity 
to  be  mankind  —  one.  All  are  the  progeny  of  Adam.  That  is,  they  are 
all  the  lineage  of  one  personage,  one  family.  However,  it  has  become 
such  a  big  family,  such  a  large  family.  You  cannot  conceive  of  various 
races  or  distinct  types  in  one  family.  If  some  of  the  members  of  a  family 
were  of  a  certain  person,  and  some  were  members  of  the  offspring  of  another 
person;  in  other  words,  if  we  had  two  Adams  for  our  father,  then  we  might 
say  we  had  some  difference.  But  because  we  belong  to  one  progeny,  one 
family,  and  they  are  not  various  or  divergent,  therefore  such  names  dis- 
tinguishing one  from  the  other  as  "This  is  Italian,  this  is  German,  this  is 
French,  the  other  is  Russian" — this  is  nonsense.  We  are  all  human 
and  we  are  all  the  servants  of  God.  *  *  *  Then  what  is  this  superstitious 
idea.? 

All  these  distinctions  or  boundary  lines  have  been  created  by  people 
who  were  despotic.  Their  aim  was  fame,  their  aim  was  conquest  of  land 
and  they  made  use  of  the  patriotic  feeling. 

They  themselves  enjoyed  luxuries  in  their  lofty  palaces,  surrounded 
with  every  ease  and  affluence,  enjoying  the  most  delightful  foods,  enjoying 
feathery  couches  for  sleep,  and  for  exercise  preferring  the  ball-room.  To 
the  poor  people  —  the  farmers,  the  laborers,  the  soldiers  —  they  said : 
"  Go  to  the  battle  field  while  we  are  enjoying  ourselves.  We  are  captains 
and  officers;  you  are  soldiers.  Go  to  the  battle  field."  The  others  said: 
"You  are  destroying  our  homes.  Why?"  They  answered:  "Because 
they  are  Germans;  we  are  French."  But  those  who  instigated  it  were 
all  self-occupied.  They  did  not  let  go  of  their  pleasure,  but  the  blood  of 
the  innocent  poor  was  shed.  For  what?  For  a  supposition  such  as 
"This  is  German,  the  other  is  French,"  when  both  are  human,  both  belong 
to  Adam,  one  family,  one  people. 

This  prejudice,  or  limited  patriotism,  is  so  often  used  when  patriotism 
in  the  larger  sense  includes  all  nativities.  There  must  be  peace  among 
all  nations.  God  created  one  earth,  one  sphere,  one  globe  and  one  man- 
kind. This  earth  was  to  be  the  habitation  of  man.  But  we  have  come 
forth  and  have  imagined  certain  suppositional  boundary  lines.  They  are 
purely  imaginable,  yet  we  pronounce  one  section  Germany,  the  other 
France,  and  we  let  them  fight.  We  say,  "O,  this  is  Germany;  this  is 
patriotic;  this  is  a  great  country  and  should  be  helped  and  assisted,"  but 
of  the  other:  "Let  it  go  down;  let  us  destroy  it;  it  is  evil;  it  is  a  bad 
country;  the  people  ought  to  be  killed."  Why?  The  line  is  imaginary, 
absolutely,  and  for  these  imaginary  boundary  lines  is  it  becoming  for  the 
precious  blood  of  man  to  be  spilled,  and  for  him  to  behead  his  fellowmen? 
For   what? 

After  all,  a  claim  for  territory  is  a  claim  just  for  the  dust  —  the  love  of, 
or  attachment  to,  dust.  Did  you  ever  stop  to  think  that  we  live  on  this 
earth  of  dust  for  a  few  days  and  then  we  remain  beneath  it  forever?  So 
it  is  our  graveyard  eternally.  Is  it  becoming  for  man  to  fight  for  his 
graveyard,  which  devours  him,  an  eternal  cemetery?  For  man  to  fight 
over  his  grave,  to  kill  one  another  for  his  grave  —  what  an  ignorance ! 


ABDUL  BAHA  33 

What  an  inadvertence!  What  thoughtlessness  on  the  part  of  man! 
I  hope  that  you  people  are  reasonable  enough  not  to  fight  over  your 
graves,  and  that  you  will  enjoy  the  utmost  of  fellowship,  like  one  family  — 
brothers,  sisters,  mothers,  fathers  —  enjoying  peace  and  having  a  good 
time.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  12,  p.  11. 

When  we  glance  at  history  we  find  that  from  the  beginning  up  to  the 
present  day  strife  and  warfare  have  prevailed  among  men.  It  has  either 
been  religious  war,  a  warfare  of  races,  or  a  war  among  the  nations.  All 
of  these  wars  have  arisen  from  the  ignorance  of  humanity,  because  of 
misunderstandings,  and  through  the  lack  of  the  education  of  human  kind. 

Let  us  first  touch  upon  religious  warfare.  It  is  self-evident  that  the 
divine  prophets  have  appeared  for  no  other  purpose  than  to  establish 
love  and  amity  among  humanity,  for  they  were  the  shepherds  and  not  the 
wolves.  The  shepherd  comes  forth  to  gather  together  his  flock.  He  has 
not  come  to  scatter  his  flock  and  to  create  strife  among  them.  Every 
divine  shepherd  has  gathered  together  a  certain  flock  which  formerly  had 
been  scattered. 

Among  the  shepherds  was  His  Holiness  Moses.  He  assembled  the 
various  tribes  of  Israel  and  united  them;  afterward  He  took  them  over 
to  the  Holy  Land.  At  a  time  when  the  tribes  of  Israel  were  scattered 
and  dispersed  He  was  able  to  unite  them,  to  assemble  them  together,  and 
cause  their  development  along  degrees  of  human  progress.  By  Him  their 
degradation  was  transformed  into  glory,  their  poverty  changed  into 
wealth.  Their  vices  were  replaced  by  virtues  until  they  reached  such  a 
zenith  that  the  Solomonic  Sovereignty  was  made  possible,  and  the  fame  of 
their  glory  reached  the  East  and  the  West.  Hence  it  is  e\adent  that  His 
Holiness  Moses  was  a  divine  shepherd,  for  he  united  the  scattered  tribes 
of  Israel  and  gathered  them  together. 

\Mien  the  Messianic  star  dawned  He  declared:  "I  shall  gather  to- 
gether the  scattered  tribes  or  flocks  of  Moses."  He  not  only  united  the 
flocks  of  Israel,  nay  rather,  he  was  confirmed  in  bringing  together  the 
Chaldeans,  Egyptians,  Syrians,  Ancient  Assyrians  and  Phoenicians. 
These  people  were  in  a  state  of  utmost  rancor;  they  were  thirsty  for  the 
blood  of  each  other;  attacking  one  another  with  the  ferocity  of  animals. 
But  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  united  them,  assembled  and  cemented 
them  together,  established  a  bond  of  love  among  them  so  that  strife, 
rancor  and  warfare  were  banished.  Therefore,  it  is  evident  that  the  divine 
religions  are  meant  to  create  a  bond  of  love  among  humanity  and  to  bind 
the  people  together  for  no  other  purpose  than  amity.  Divine  religion 
is  not  a  cause  for  discord  and  disagreement.  If  religion  be  the  cause  of 
discord  and  difference,  then  no  religion  is  preferable,  for  religion  is  meant 
to  be  life  to  the  body-politic.  If  it  be  the  cause  of  death  to  humanity, 
then  its  non-existence  is  preferable.  Therefore,  in  this  day  religion  is  to 
be  sought,  for  religion  and  religious  teachings  may  well  be  likened  to  reme- 
dies. If  a  remedy  be  productive  of  worse  symptoms,  the  lack  or  absence 
of  the  remedy  is  preferable 

At  a  time  when  the  Arabian  tribes  and  nomadic  people  were  in  the 
utmost  state  of  division,  thirsty  for  the  blood  of  each  other,  living  in  the 


34  COMPILATION 

deserts  under  lawless  conditions,  strife  rampant  among  them,  not  a  single 
soul  enjoying  composure,  no  tribe  at  ease,—  at  such  a  critical  time  Mo- 
hammed appeared.  He  gathered  them  together  and  reconciled  them 
toward  each  other,  united  and  caused  them  to  agree,  so  that  no  strife 
and  warfare  remained. 

The  Arabian  nation  immediately  advanced  until  their  sovereignty 
progressed  and  extended  as  far  west  as  Spain  and  Andalusia.  From  these 
premises  we  may  conclude  that  the  foundation  of  the  divine  religions  is 
for  peace  and  not  for  strife,  warfare  and  shedding  of  blood. 

Inasmuch  as  the  foundation  of  the  religions  of  God  is  one  reality  which 
is  love  and  amity,  these  warfares  and  dissensions  are  caused  by  imitations 
which  creep  in  afterwards.  Religion  is  a  reality,  and  reality  is  one.  The 
fundamentals  of  the  religions  of  God  are  one  in  reality.  There  is  no  differ- 
ence in  the  fundamentals.  The  difference  is  caused  by  the  imitations 
which  arise  later,  and  inasmuch  as  imitations  differ,  strife,  discord  and 
quarreling  take  place.  If  the  religions  of  this  time  should  forsake  imita- 
tions and  seek  the  fundamentals,  all  of  them  would  agree  and  strife  and 
discord  would  pass  away.     For  reality  is  one  and  not  multiple. 

As  to  racial  wars,  these  are  caused  by  purely  imaginary  racial  differ- 
ences. For  humanity  is  one  in  kind,  it  is  one  race,  it  is  one  progeny,  in- 
habiting the  same  globe,  and  in  the  original  genesis  no  difference  obtains. 
God  has  created  all  humanity.  God  has  not  originally  created  French- 
men, Englishmen,  Americans,  Germans,  Italians  or  Spaniards.  There  is 
no  difference  as  regards  creation  and  kind;  all  belong  to  one  household; 
all  are  the  leaves  of  one  tree;  all  are  the  flowers  of  the  same  garden;  all 
are  the  waves  of  the  same  sea. 

Let  us  glance  at  the  animal  kingdom.  We  find  the  animals  do  not 
observe  any  distinction.  If  you  gather  together  the  sheep  of  the  East 
and  those  of  the  West,  they  would  mix  quite  harmoniously.  *  *  *  They 
would  live  together  in  the  utmost  accord.  They  would  gather  together 
and  enjoy  the  same  pasture.  There  is  no  racial  difference  among  them. 
If  the  birds  of  the  East  and  the  birds  of  the  West  were  together,  they  would 
be  found  in  a  state  of  the  utmost  unity  and  amity.  There  would  not  be 
any  distinctions  observed.  We  find  virtues  in  the  animal.  Is  it  becom- 
ing of  man  to  be  deprived  of  those  virtues?  The  animal  does  not  observe 
those  imaginary  distinctions.  Is  it  becoming  for  man  to  observe  them.'^ 
Man  is  reasonable,  has  the  manifestation  of  the  divine  bestowals,  the 
perceptive  faculty,  adoration,  memory,  and  with  all  these  divine  bestowals, 
shall  he  allow  these  racial  ideas  to  change  him?  *  *  *  Through  these 
superstitions  shall  he  wage  war?  Is  this  becoming?  God  forbid!  Not  at 
all!  *  *  *     They  are  purely  imaginary. 

As  to  the  war  which  has  been  caused  by  nativity:  the  idea  that  tliis 
is  an  eastern  nativity,  the  other  is  a  western,  this  is  a  northern  and  this 
is  southern:  this  is  likewise  purely  imaginary.  The  globe  of  this  earth 
is  one  globe  and  it  is  the  nativity  of  all  humanity;  therefore,  the  human 
race  should  not  observe  any  of  these  distinctions  which  are  conducive  to 
war.  We  have  come  from  the  East.  Praise  be  to  God,  we  find  the  Ameri- 
can continent  prosperous,  its  climate  most  delightful,  its  weather  salubri- 
ous,  the   inhabitants  possessed  of   courteous   manners  and   the  United 


ABDUL  BAHA  35 

States  Government  a  fair  government.  Is  it  becoming  for  us  to  entertain 
anything  but  love  for  them?  *  *  *  This  would  be  utter  ignorance  to  which 
man  must  not  condescend.  Man  must  investigate  realities  and  the  reality 
is  this:  that  all  humanity  is  one  in  kind,  that  this  earth  is  one  globe  and 
therefore  one  home.  Hence  it  is  proved  that  the  factors  and  causes  of 
warfare  are  entirely  false.     Grant  this! 

Consider  what  is  taking  place  in  Tripoli.  How  many  poor  are  being 
killed,  how  much  blood  is  being  shed  on  both  sides !  How  many  children 
become  fatherless;  how  many  fathers  loose  their  sons;  how  many  mothers 
bemoan  the  loss  of  their  dear  ones!  And  what  is  the  result  after  all.? 
Nothing.  Is  it  just,  is  it  becoming  for  man  to  be  so  bloodthirsty?  Con- 
sider how  domestic  animals  never  cause  animosity;  that  is  an  attribute 
of  the  ferocious  animals. 

For  example,  if  you  gather  together  a  flock  of  one  thousand  sheep 
they  do  not  cause  the  shedding  of  blood.  If  you  bring  together  many 
flocks  of  birds,  no  war  takes  place.  But  when  wolves,  dogs  and  lions 
meet  they  fight.  Even  these  ferocious  animals  are  ferocious  because  of 
their  necessity  for  food;  they  are  in  need  of  ferocity.  Without  ferocity 
they  would  be  bereft  of  food.  But  man  does  not  need  to  exercise  that 
sort  of  ferocity,  his  Uvelihood  is  made  possible  otherwise.  Out  of  greed, 
enmity  and  self-glory,  the  blood  of  the  oppressed  is  spilt.  The  great  ones 
among  the  nations  rest  and  enjoy  luxuries  in  their  palaces,  but  send  the 
poor  common  people  to  the  battlefield.  They  offer  them  as  targets  before 
the  cannon.  Every  day  they  invent  new  instruments  of  destruction  to 
destroy  more  fully  the  foundations  of  the  human  race.  They  are  abso- 
lutely merciless  toward  their  kind  —  toward  these  mothers  who  have  so 
tenderly  cared  for  their  sons. 

*  *  *  In  Persia,  among  the  various  nations  and  peoples,  reUgions  and 
denominations  there  existed  the  greatest  animosity,  envy  and  hatred. 
At  that  time  all  the  other  nations  of  Asia  were  in  the  same  condition. 
The  reUgions  were  hostile  toward  one  another;  the  sects  were  at  enmity; 
the  races  were  filled  with  hatred;  the  tribes  were  constantly  at  war.  At 
all  times  strife,  warfare  and  bloodshed  prevailed.  Men  shunned  each 
other  and  were  thirsty  for  each  other's  lives.  They  considered  the  greatest 
glory  for  man  was  to  be  able  to  kill  many  of  his  kind.  Each  religionist 
considered  the  kiUing  of  one  belonging  to  another  religion  or  denomination 
a  great  and  praiseworthy  deed. 

At  such  a  time  as  this  Baha'o'llah  appeared  in  Persia.  He  founded 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  He  declared  that  all  humanity 
is  the  servant  of  God,  and  that  God  is  kind  to  all;  that  He  created  all  and 
provides  for  all;  that  He  nurtures  all;  therefore  why  should  we  be  unkind. 
Inasmuch  as  God  is  kind  and  merciful  to  all  His  creatures  and  manifests 
His  care  and  good-will  to  them  in  every  way,  why  should  we  show  forth 
that  which  is  contrary?  Inasmuch  as  God  loves  all,  why  should  we  enter- 
tain animosity  or  en\^'^?  For  if  God  did  not  love  all.  He  would  not  have 
provided  for  all;  He  would  not  have  created  man,  He  would  not  have 
trained  him.  Now  that  He  has  created,  provided  for  and  preserved  man, 
it  is,  therefore,  evident  that  God  is  kind  to  all.  Why  then  should  man 
be  unkind  to  man?    This  is  the  divine  policy.     Should  we  consider  human 


36  COMPILATION 

policy  to  be  better  than  the  divine  poHcy?  Is  that  conceivable?  Is  not 
that  impossible?  Therefore,  we  must  emulate  the  policy  of  God.  Just 
as  God  deals  with  humanity  so  kindly,  so  lovingly,  we  must  deal  with  each 
other. 

Baha'o'llah  declared  the  Most  Great  Peace  and  International  Arbitration. 
He  voiced  His  sentiments  with  regard  to  peace  in  numerous  epistles  upon 
that  subject  which  were  scattered  broadcast  throughout  the  East.  He 
wrote  to  all  the  kings  and  crowTied  heads,  encouraging  all  and  admonishing 
them  in  regard  to  peace.  He  made  it  evident  with  conclusive  proofs  that 
the  happiness  and  glory  of  humanity  can  only  be  insured  through  peace. 
This  took  place  about  fifty  years  ago.  Because  He  promulgated  inter- 
national peace  and  gave  numerous  instructions  about  it,  the  kings  of  the 
Orient  airose  against  Him,  for  they  did  not  find  their  personal  benefits 
advanced  thereby.  They  arose  to  persecute  and  molest  Him;  inflicted 
upon  Him  every  torment,  imprisoned  Him,  bastinadoed  Him,  banished  Him, 
eventually  confined  Him  to  a  fortress.  Then  they  arose  against  those  who 
followed  Him.  For  the  establishment  of  international  peace  the  blood 
of  twenty  thousand  Bahais  was  spilt.  How  many  homes  were  destroyed! 
How  many  of  the  young  were  made  captives!  How  many  of  the  houses 
were  pillaged!  Yet  none  of  them  waxed  cold.  Even  unto  this  day  they 
still  persecute  them,  for  the  Bahais  put  forth  the  greatest  efforts.  They 
not  only  promulgate  principle,  they  are  people  of  action. 

Now  you  see  the  same  people  who  were  formerly  at  enmity  and  strife 
in  Persia  —  people  of  various  religions  and  denominations  —  through  the 
great  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  living  in  the  utmost  peace.  Enmity  has 
passed  away  and  they  exercise  the  utmost  love  toward  all  mankind.  For 
they  know  that  all  are  the  servants  of  God. 

At  most  it  is  simply  this:  that  some  are  still  ignorant,  they  must  be 
educated.  Some  are  sick,  they  must  be  treated.  Some  are  as  children, 
they  must  be  helped  to  reach  the  age  of  maturity.  We  must  not  molest 
anyone  because  he  is  an  infant  or  child.  We  must  not  be  inimical  to 
anyone  because  he  is  still  ignorant.  We  must  not  reject  anyone  because 
he  is  sick.  But  we  must  treat  the  sick,  educate  the  children  until  they 
reach  the  age  of  maturity  and  help  those  who  are  ignorant  in  order  that 
they  may  reach  knowledge.  Therefore,  the  essentials  of  the  foundations  of 
the  religions  of  God  are  love  and  amity  among  all  humanity.  If  a  divine 
religion  should  be  productive  of  discord  among  society,  it  is  a  destroyer 
and  not  divine,  for  religion  means  unity  and  binding  together. 

Mere  knowledge  of  anything  is  not  sufficient.  We  all  know  that 
justice  is  good,  but  there  is  need  for  volition  and  executive  force  to  carry 
it  out.  For  example,  should  we  think  it  good  to  build  a  church,  simply 
thinking  of  it  as  being  a  good  thing  will  not  help  its  erection. 

All  of  us  know  that  international  peace  is  good;  that  it  is  conducive 
to  the  general  welfare  of  humanity  and  the  glory  of  man;  but  we  are  in 
need  of  will,  volition  and  action.  We  must  act.  Inasmuch  as  this  century 
is  a  century  of  light,  it  has  capacity  for  action.  Necessarily  these  prin- 
ciples will  spread  among  all  men  until  they  reach  the  degree  of  volition 
and  attain  to  the  status  of  action.  Surely  this  is  so,  for  the  time  is  ripe 
for  it.     The  human  race  knows,  verily,  that  war  is  a  destroyer  of  the 


ABDUL  BAHA  37 

human  foundation,  and  in  all  countries  of  the  world  there  are  those  who 
favor  this  issue.  When  I  came  to  America  I  found  this  to  be  an  exceed- 
ingly progressive  country,  the  people  in  a  state  of  readiness,  the  govern- 
ment a  just  one,  and  equality  established  to  an  extraordinary  degree. 

Now  inasmuch  as  the  standard  of  international  peace  must  needs  be 
hoisted,  I  hope  that  it  may  be  hoisted  upon  this  continent,  for  the  American 
continent  is  more  deserving,  has  greater  capacity  therefor,  and  is  not  like 
other  countries.  If  other  nations  should  take  such  a  step  everybody 
will  misinterpret  the  motive. 

For  example,  if  Great  Britain  should  take  the  step,  it  will  be  said  that 
it  is  done  in  order  to  insure  the  safety  of  her  colonies.  If  France  should 
hoist  the  standard,  they  will  say  she  has  some  interest  therein.  If  Russia 
should  raise  the  ensign,  the  whole  Russian  nation  would  say  it  is  an  effort 
to  preserve  the  homogeneity  of  Russia.  But  the  American  government 
has  no  selfish  interest  in  this.  You  have,  strictly  speaking,  no  colonies 
to  preserve.  You  are  not  endeavoring  to  extend  your  domains,  nor  have 
you  any  need  for  territorial  aggressiveness.  Therefore,  if  America  takes 
the  first  step  toward  this  direction,  it  is  certain  to  be  ascribed  to  altruism. 
It  will  be  said  by  humanity,  "There  was  no  other  purpose  than  altruism 
and  service  to  mankind."  Therefore,  it  is  my  hope  that  you  may  be 
the  cause,  and  that  you  may  hoist  this  banner,  for  this  banner  will  be 
hoisted.  Raise  it  aloft,  for  you  are  deserving  above  all  other  nations. 
In  the  other  countries  there  are  many  who  are  waiting  for  this  summons, 
anxiously  anticipating  this  call  from  some  nation  bidding  all  to  the  Most 
Great  Peace,  for  the  people  are  distressed  because  of  the  excessive  and 
irreparable  damage  of  war.  Thousands  of  farmers  are  taxed  and  expenses 
are  collected  for  war.  Every  year  the  tax  increases  and  the  people  have 
come  to  their  end.  Just  now  you  can  say  Europe  is  a  battlefield;  Uke 
ammunition  ready  for  a  spark,  and  one  spark  can  set  aflame  the  whole 
world.  Before  these  complications  and  colossal  events  happen,  take  a 
step  and  prevent  it. 

The  foundations  of  all  the  divine  religions  are  peace  and  amity;  but 
misunderstandings  have  crept  in.  If  these  misunderstandings  disappear 
you  will  see  that  all  the  religious  agencies  will  work  for  peace  and  pro- 
mulgate the  oneness  of  human  kind,  for  the  foundations  of  all  is  one  reahty 
and  reality  is  not  multiple  or  divisible. 

For  example,  His  Holiness  Moses  founded  this  reahty  and  the  light 
of  this  reahty  shone  forth  in  all  the  religions.  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah 
proclaimed  this  reality  and  promulgated  the  Most  Great  Peace.  In  the 
prison  He  rested  not  until  He  lighted  this  lamp  in  the  East. 

Praise  be  to  God,  all  the  people  who  have  accepted  the  teachings  of 
Baha'o'llah  are  peace  lovers  and  are  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  and 
forfeit  their  fortunes  for  it.  Now  let  this  standard  be  hoisted  in  the  West 
and  many  shall  respond  to  the  call.  Just  as  America  has  become  renowned 
because  of  her  discoveries,  inventions  and  skill,  famous  for  the  equity 
of  her  government  and  colossal  undertakings,  may  she  also  become  noted  for 
the  Most  Great  Peace.  Let  this  be  her  undertaking  and  let  it  spread  from 
her  to  other  countries.  And  I  pray  for  all  of  you  that  you  may  render  this 
service  to  the  world  of  humanity.     Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  5,  pp.  131-137. 


38  COMPILATION 

All  prejudices,  whether  of  rehgion,  race,  pohtics  or  nation,  must  be 
renounced,  for  these  prejudices  have  caused  the  world's  sickness.  It  is  a 
grave  malady  which,  unless  arrested,  is  capable  of  causing  the  destruction 
of  the  whole  human  race.  Every  ruinous  war  with  its  terrible  bloodshed 
and  misery  has  been  caused  by  one  or  another  of  these  prejudices. 

The  deplorable  wars  going  on  in  these  days  are  caused  by  the  fanatical 
religious  hatred  of  one  people  for  another,  or  the  prejudices  of  race  or 
color.  Until  all  these  barriers  created  by  prejudice  are  swept  away  it  is 
not  possible  for  humanity  to  be  at  peace.  For  this  reason  Baha'o'llah 
has  said,  "These  prejudices  are  destructive  to  mankind." 

Contemplate  first  the  prejudice  of  religion:  Consider  the  nations  of 
so-called  religious  people.  If  they  were  truly  worshipers  of  God  they 
would  obey  His  law  which  forbids  them  to  kill  one  another. 

If  priests  of  religion  really  adored  the  God  of  love  and  served  the  divine 
light  they  would  teach  their  people  to  keep  the  chief  commandment, 
"To  be  in  love  and  charity  with  all  men."  But  we  find  the  contrary,  for 
it  is  often  the  priests  who  encourage  nations  to  fight.  Religious  hatred 
is  ever  the  most  cruel. 

All  religions  teach  that  we  should  love  one  another;  that  we  should 
seek  out  our  own  shortcomings  before  we  presume  to  condemn  the  faults 
of  others;  that  we  must  not  consider  ourselves  superior  to  our  neighbors. 
We  must  be  careful  not  to  exalt  ourselves  lest  we  be  humiliated. 

Who  are  we  that  we  should  judge?  How  shall  we  know  who,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  is  the  most  upright  man.''  God's  thoughts  are  not  like  our 
thoughts.  How  many  men  who  have  seemed  saint-like  to  their  friends  have 
fallen  into  the  greatest  humiliation.  Think  of  Judas  Iscariot;  he  began 
well,  but  remember  his  end.  On  the  other  hand  Paul  the  Apostle  was  in 
his  early  life  an  enemy  of  Christ,  whilst  later  he  became  His  most  faithful 
servant.     How  then  can  we  flatter  ourselves  and  despise  others? 

*  *  *  Concerning  the  prejudice  of  race:  it  is  an  illusion,  a  superstition 
pure  and  simple,  for  God  created  us  all  of  one  race.  There  were  no  differ- 
ences in  the  beginning,  for  we  are  all  descendants  of  Adam.  In  the  begin- 
ning, also,  there  were  no  limits  and  boundaries  between  the  different 
lands;  no  part  of  the  earth  belonged  more  to  one  people  than  another. 
In  the  sight  of  God  there  is  no  difference  between  the  various  races.  Why 
should  man  invent  such  a  prejudice?  How  can  we  uphold  war  caused 
by  an  illusion. 

God  has  not  created  man  that  they  should  destroy  one  another.  All 
races,  tribes,  sects  and  classes  share  equally  in  the  bounty  of  their  heavenly 
Father. 

The  only  difference  lies  in  the  degree  of  faithfulness,  of  obedience  to 
the  laws  of  God.  There  are  some  who  are  as  lighted  torches,  there  are 
others  who  shine  as  stars  in  the  sky  of  humanity.  The  lovers  of  mankind, 
these  are  the  superior  men,  of  whatever  nation,  creed  or  color  they  may  be. 
For  it  is  they  to  whom  God  will  say  these  blessed  words,  "Well  done,  my 
good  and  faithful  servants, "  In  that  day  He  will  not  ask,  "  Are  you  English, 
French ,  or  perhaps  Persian  ?    Do  you  come  from  the  East  or  from  the  West  ?  " 

The  only  division  that  is  real  is  this:  There  are  heavenly  men  and 
earthly  men ;  self-sacrificing  servants  of  humanity  in  the  love  of  the  Most 


ABDUL  BAHA  39 

High,  bringing  harmony  and  unity,  teaching  peace  and  goodwill  to  men. 
On  the  other  hand  there  are  those  selfish  men,  haters  of  their  brethren, 
in  whose  hearts  prejudice  has  replaced  loving-kindness  and  whose  influence 
breeds  discord  and  strife. 

To  which  race  or  to  which  color  belong  these  two  divisions  of  men, — ■ 
to  the  white,  to  the  yellow,  to  the  black,  to  the  east  or  to  the  west,  to  the 
north  or  to  the  south?  If  these  are  God's  divisions  why  should  we  invent 
others? 

Political  prejudice  is  equally  mischievous,  it  is  one  of  the  greatest 
causes  of  bitter  strife  amongst  the  children  of  men.  There  are  people 
who  find  pleasure  in  breeding  discord,  who  constantly  endeavor  to  goad  their 
country  into  making  war  upon  other  nations.  And  why?  They  think 
to  advantage  their  o"v\'n  country'  to  the  detriment  of  all  others.  They  send 
armies  to  harass  and  destroy  the  land  in  order  to  become  famous  in  the 
world,  for  the  joy  of  conquest.  That  it  may  be  said:  "Such  a  country 
has  defeated  another  and  brought  it  under  the  yoke  of  their  stronger,  more 
superior  rule."  This  victory  bought  at  the  price  of  much  bloodshed  is 
not  lasting.  The  conqueror  shall  one  day  be  conquered,  and  the  van- 
quished ones  victorious.  Remember  the  history  of  the  past:  did  not 
France  conquer  Germany  more  than  once,  then  did  not  the  German 
nation  overcome  France?  We  learn  also  that  France  conquered  England; 
then  was  the  Enghsh  nation  victorious  over  France, 

These  glorious  conquests  are  so  ephemeral.  Why  attach  so  great 
importance  to  them  and  to  their  fame  as  to  be  willing  to  shed  the  blood 
of  the  people  for  their  attainment?  Is  any  victory  worth  the  inevitable 
train  of  e\als  consequent  upon  human  slaughter,  the  grief  and  sorrow  and 
ruin  which  must  overwhelm  so  many  homes  of  both  nations?  For  it  is 
not  possible  that  one  country  alone  should  suffer. 

O  why  w411  man,  the  disobedient  child  of  God,  who  should  be  an  ex- 
ample of  the  power  of  the  spiritual  law,  turn  his  face  away  from  the  divine 
teachings  and  put  all  his  effort  into  destruction  and  war! 

My  hope  is  that  in  this  enlightened  century  the  divine  light  of  love 
will  shed  its  radiance  over  the  whole  world,  seeking  out  the  responsive 
heart's  intelligence  of  every  human  being;  that  the  light  of  the  Sun  of 
Truth  will  lead  poHticians  to  shake  off  all  the  chains  of  prejudice  and  super- 
stition and  with  freed  minds  to  follow  the  pohcy  of  God:  for  "Di\TJie 
PoUtics"  are  mighty,  man's  politics  are  feeble!  God  has  created  all  the 
world  and  bestowed  His  divine  bounty  upon  every  creature.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  136. 

The  prejudice  of  race  is  mere  superstition,  for  God  created  us  all  men 
of  one  race.  In  the  beginning  there  were  no  limits,  no  boundaries  put 
to  the  different  lands.  There  should  be  no  different  nations.  We  are 
all  men,  all  descendants  of  Adam.  We  must  not  think  of  a  man  as  an 
Englishman  or  a  Frenchman  or  a  Persian.     This  is  all  mere  superstition. 

How  can  we  uphold  a  war  that  is  caused  by  superstition?  God  has 
not  made  men  to  destroy  one  another. 

In  the  eyes  of  God  all  races,  tribes,  sects  and  classes  are  equal.  He 
sees  no  difference  in  them.     The  only  difference  existing  between  men 


40  COMPILATION 

in  God's  sight  is  in  the  degree  of  service.  The  lovers  of  humanity,  these 
are  the  superior  beings,  of  whatever  race,  creed  or  color.  There  are  some 
who  shine  as  lamps  and  there  are  others  who  rise  like  stars  in  the  sky  of 
humanity.  In  short,  the  only  differenee  existing  between  men  is  this: 
there  are  earthly  men  and  heavenly  men.  God  does  not  ask  if  a  man  comes 
from  the  east  or  the  west,  from  the  north  or  south. 

A  great  cause  of  division  among  the  people  is  political  prejudice. 
There  are  people  who  find  pleasure  in  causing  discord.  These  people 
love  only  their  own  country,  even  to  the  destruction  of  others.  They 
collect  armies  and  send  them  to  destroy  other  nations  in  order  to  achieve 
worldly  fame,  for  the  joy  of  hearing  people  say:  "Such  a  country  has 
defeated  another  and  brought  it  under  the  yoke  of  a  superior  government." 
This  glory  is  bought  at  the  price  of  blood  and  yet  is  not  lasting.  Those  who 
have  triumphed  will  in  their  turn  be  conquered,  and  those  who  are  sub- 
jected will  in  due  time  become  victorious.  Consider  the  history  of  the 
past.  How  many  times  has  the  French  nation  conquered  the  German 
nation  and  yet  France  herself  has  been  conquered  by  Germany.  It  is 
the  same  when  we  remember  the  past  relations  between  England  and  this 
country. 

As  these  victories  are  only  temporary,  why  do  men  attach  so  much 
importance  to  them  and  shed  blood  for  their  sake?  Men  should  be  an 
example  of  the  power  of  divine  teaching  and  faithful  to  the  law.  Why 
does  he  put  all  his  effort  into  destruction  and  separation? 

I  hope  that  in  this  luminous  century  the  divine  light  will  shed  radiance 
over  the  whole  world  and  that  the  divine  bounty  will  seek  out  every  man. 
The  light  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  is  for  all.  Humanity  will  be  freed  from  the 
chains  of  prejudice  and  superstition. 

We  must  follow  God's  policy.  Man's  policies  are  weak,  but  the  policy 
of  God,  the  Creator  of  all,  is  strong;  it  is  the  best  and  we  must  follow  His 
example.  He  gives  alike  to  all  of  His  divine  bounty.  We  are  all  His 
servants,  the  servant  follows  his  master's  example.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  2,  p.  3. 

Question:  I  understand  you  are  a  messenger  of  peace  to  this  country. 
What  is  your  opinion  about  modern  war?  Shall  the  great  nations  main- 
tain armament  and  defenses  as  a  guarantee  or  warrant  against  war?  *  *  * 
Shall  the  nations  have  an  international  police  navy  which  protects  and 
insures  peace  in  the  world,  or  shall  they  disarm  and  have  no  navies? 

Abdul  Baha:     Everything  that  prevents   war  is  good. 

Question:  Christ  said  that  he  came  to  make  war.  Csesar  was  great 
in  history  because  he  was  great  in  battle  and  military  skill 

Abdul  Baha :  We  have  the  history  of  the  world  for  nearly  six  thousand 
years.  Before  that  there  is  no  record.  During  these  six  thousand  years 
there  has  been  constant  war,  strife,  bloodshed.  We  can  see  at  a  glance 
the  results,  achievements  and  outcomes  of  war.  The  history  of  warfare 
and  strife  is  known,  the  effect  apparent.  Have  we  not  a  sufficient  standard 
of  experience  in  this  direction?  Let  us  now  try  peace  for  a  while.  If  good 
results  follow,  let  us  adhere  to  it.  If  not  let  us  throw  it  away  and  fight 
again.     Nothing  will  be  lost  by  the  experiment. 


ABDUL  BAHA  41 

Question:  Evolution  has  now  reached  a  period  in  the  life  of  nations 
where  commerce  takes  the  place  of  warfare.  Business  is  war,  cruel, 
merciless. 

Abdul  Baha:  True!  War  is  not  limited  to  one  cause.  There  are 
many  kinds  of  war  and  conflict  going  on:  political  war,  commercial  war, 
patriotic  war  and  racial  war;   this  is  the  very  civilization  of  war. 

Question:     Do  you  consider  the  next  great  national  war  necessary? 

Abdul  Baha :  I  hope  your  efforts  may  be  able  to  prevent  it.  Why  not 
try  peace  for  a  while?  If  we  find  war  is  better,  it  will  not  be  diflBcult  to 
fight  again;  but  if  we  find  that  peace  is  the  glorification  of  humanity,  the 
impulse  of  true  civilization,  the  stimulus  to  inventive  genius  and  the  means 
of  attainment  to  the  good  pleasure  of  God,  we  must  agree  to  adhere  to  it 
and  establish  it  permanently. 

Question:  *  *  *  I  am  an  advocate  of  peace  from  another  standpoint. 
I  would  make  war  so  expensive  that  the  nations  could  not  afford  to  fight 
and  therefore  would  agree  to  maintain  peace. 

Abdul  Baha:  The  product  of  human  invention,  genius  and  the  out- 
come of  human  disposition  to  kill  and  fight  have  well-nigh  reached  their 
limit.  It  seems  as  if  the  art  of  war  could  not  be  carried  further.  In 
ancient  times  when  nation  fought  against  nation,  probably  one  thousand 
would  be  killed  in  battle,  the  expense  would  not  be  great,  the  outcome  of 
victory  decisive  and  final;  but  in  modern  times  the  science  of  war  has 
reached  such  a  stage  of  perfection  that  in  twenty-four  hours  one  hundred 
thousand  could  be  sacrificed,  great  navies  sent  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea, 
great  cities  destroyed  in  a  few  hours.  The  possibilities  are  incalculable, 
inconceivable,  the  after  effects  even  more  dreadful  than  the  initial  shock. 
In  Egypt,  the  fellaheen  who  till  the  Nile  banks,  gather  four  or  five  harvests 
from  the  soil.  Suppose  they  are  called  away  from  their  peaceful  pursuits, 
take  up  arms,  expend  their  possessions  for  powder  and  go  to  war.  The 
first  consequences  are  grievous  enough,  but  the  after  results  are  even  more 
deplorable.  The  country  suffers  beyond  all  power  of  estimation;  agri- 
culture is  crippled,  abandoned,  sustenance  fails,  poverty  and  suffering 
continue  long  afterward.  Furthermore,  how  many  wars  have  been  in  the 
Orient  during  past  centuries;  war  and  peace  in  constant  succession;  but 
your  country  America  remained  unaffected  by  them  or  their  consequences. 
The  news  of  war  might  reach  Europe  and  America  long  after  it  had  hap- 
pened. But  all  this  is  changed  in  the  present  century.  As  soon  as  war  is 
declared  in  any  part  of  the  world,  all  human  attention  is  directed  toward 
it;  commerce  and  the  machinery  of  nations  are  paralyzed;  the  whole 
world  thrown  into  a  condition  of  grave  uncertainty.  Therefore,  it  is 
evident  that  the  time  has  come  to  end  war  and  establish  peace.  This  is 
an  exigency  and  requirement  of  the  present  century.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha:     War  is  the  most  preventable  accident.  *  *  * 

History  shows  that  in  war  between  the  Roman  and  Persian  empires, 
extending  over  a  period  of  twenty  years,  in  which  one  hundred  thousand 
men  were  engaged  upon  each  side,  only  five  or  six  thousand  were  killed. 
In  modern  warfare  there  are  bombs  which  kill  men  like  stripping  leaves 
from  a  tree.  An  Egyptian  general  who  had  served  in  war  against  England 
was  accused  of  cowardice  at  a  meeting  in  Syria.     He  asked  those  present. 


42  COMPILATION 

"Have  you  ever  seen  an  English  shell?     When  you  see  one  explode  among 
troops  you  will  be  excused  for  defeat  and  cowardice."  *  *  * 

*  *  *  The  greatest  intelligence  of  man  is  being  expended  in  the  direction 
of  killing  his  fellowman.  The  discovery  of  high  explosives,  perfecting  of 
death-dealing  weapons  of  war,  the  science  of  military  attack,  all  this  is  a 
wonderful  manifestation  of  human  intelligence,  but  in  the  wrong  direction. 
You  are  a  celebrated  inventor  and  scientific  expert  whose  energies  and 
faculties  are  employed  in  the  production  of  means  for  human  destruction. 
Your  name  has  become  famous  in  the  science  of  war.  Now  you  have  the 
opportunity  of  becoming  doubly  famous.  You  must  practice  the  science 
of  peace.  You  must  expend  your  energies  and  intelligence  in  a  contrary 
direction.  You  must  discover  the  means  of  peace.  Invent  guns  of  love 
which  shall  shake  the  foundations  of  humanity. 

The  guns  you  are  now  building  cause  the  death  of  man;  you  must 
build  guns  which  will  be  the  cause  of  life  to  humanity.  Henceforth  your 
life  and  energy  should  be  given  to  this  blessed  purpose.  You  must  work 
and  experiment  along  this  line.  This  work  and  accomplishment  will  be 
more  wonderful  than  all  you  have  done  heretofore.  Then  it  will  be  said 
by  the  people  of  the  world,  this  is  an  inventor  of  the  guns  of  war,  discoverer 
of  high  explosives,  military  scientist,  who  has  also  discovered  and  invented 
means  for  increasing  the  life  and  love  of  man;  who  has  put  an  end  to  the 
strife  of  nations  and  uprooted  the  tree  of  war.  This  will  be  the  most 
wonderful  accomplishment  of  any  human  being.  Your  name  will  glow 
with  mention  throughout  the  history  of  ages  and  ages.  Then  will  your 
life  become  pregnant  and  productive  with  really  great  results.  Consider 
this :  the  inventor  of  high  explosives  has  discovered  the  means  of  universal 
peace.  An  active  worker  in  the  science  of  war  has  become  a  factor  in  the 
assembly  of  love.  Then  will  your  name  be  recorded  in  the  pages  of  history 
with  a  pen  of  gold.  No  man  in  history  will  equal  you  in  fame  and  great- 
ness. You  will  be  doubly  renowned.  God  will  be  pleased  with  you  and 
from  every  standpoint  of  estimation  you  will  be  a  perfect  man. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  7,  pp.  5  and  10. 

The  news  of  the  great  battle  of  Benghazi,  where  men  fought  in  a  hand 
to  hand  fight  from  morning  till  evening,  makes  me  wonder  at  the  human 
wickedness  and  savagery  that  still  exists  in  the  world.  Animals,  when 
they  fight,  have  an  immediate  cause  and  they  are  but  creatures  of  passion; 
but  how  sad  it  is  to  think  that  men  who  are  higher  beings  can  descend  to 
shed  blood  for  the  possession  of  land  —  the  highest  of  created  beings  fighting 
for  the  possession  of  the  lowest  existing  thing  of  creation,  earth.  Land, 
earth,  belongs  to  no  one  people  but  to  all  people.  In  truth  it  belongs  to 
man  for  a  short  time  and  then  is  left.  It  is  for  their  tombs  they  are  fighting 
like  this.  There  is  nothing  in  this  world  so  horrible  as  the  tomb,  the  abode 
of  the  dead  bodies  of  men.  It  is  for  that  all  this  blood  is  being  spilt.  This 
war  is  being  carried  on  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  few  who  are  making 
money  out  of  it,  it  is  for  the  sake  of  worldly  gain.  All  this  misery,  this 
troublous  time  is  breaking  the  hearts  of  many  men  and  women.  How 
sad  it  is  to  think  of  all  the  fathers  deprived  of  their  sons,  the  wives  of 
their  husbands,  the  little  children  of  their  fathers.     There  is  nothing  so 


ABDUL  BAHA  43 

terrible  as  human  savagery.  I  pray  that  each  one  of  you  may  turn  your 
heads  and  minds  towards  unity  and  love.  Those  men  are  thinking  of 
killing  one  another,  you  must  think  life.  They  think  of  war,  you  must 
work  to  bring  about  peace.  They  destroy,  you  must  construct.  They 
draw  their  swords  on  one  another,  you  must  fall  into  one  another's  arms. 
Praise  be  to  God,  all  this  war  will  disappear  in  time.  How  many 
seemingly  impossible  things  we  see  coming  to  pass  in  these  days !  Nothing 
is  impossible  to  divine  generosity.  Sincerity,  generosity  and  love  is 
needed  to  conquer  the  hatred  of  man.  Do  not  despair,  for  your  work  will 
succeed.  Show  love  to  all  beings  and  turn  your  faces  towards  the  light 
of  the  world.  Be  reassured.  Without  doubt  if  you  engage  in  these 
thoughts  you  will  enjoy  success.  Already  in  days  gone  by  those  who  have 
dreamed  of  peace  have  not  been  disappointed.  God  never  forsakes  those 
who  struggle  and  pray.  Your  prayers  are  heard  and  will  be  answered 
and  you  wall  become  helpers  in  the  cause  of  universal  brotherhood. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  23. 

Animals  fight,  and  when  they  fight  it  is  for  a  cause,  an  end  to  be  gained. 
Men  are  fighting  now  for  what.^*  For  the  ground,  our  sepulchre,  our  tomb, 
our  cemetery! 

The  earth  is  the  first  and  lowest  of  terrestrial  things  created  by  the 
divine  will  —  our  death  not  our  life  —  and  these  men  are  fighting  not  for 
liberty  or  an  ideal,  but  for  ground.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  God  has  not  forgotten  the  world  and  no  matter  how  black  have 
been  its  conditions,  there  have  always  been  societies  established  for  the 
cherishing  of  love  and  equality  and  fraternity. 

You  are  a  people  banded  together  to  increase  friendship  among  nations 
and  races  and  brotherhood  among  men.  So  now,  while  these  men  are 
creating  death,  you  think  life;  while  they  are  guilty  of  cruelty,  you  think 
tenderness;  while  they  make  destruction,  you  think  construction;  while 
they  create  war,  you  think  peace. 

We  must  hope.  We  must  not  despair.  We  must  look  forward  to  the 
time  when  war  and  dissensions  wall  disappear,  when  love  and  unity  wall 
reign  and  the  light  of  God  will  shine  upon  all  banners  and  into  all  hearts 
and  unite  them  to  one  another  and  to  Him. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  14,  p.  4. 

In  this  day  the  majority  of  mankind  is  endeavoring  to  destroy  the 
foundations  of  the  happiness  of  the  w^orld.  How  many  are  engaged  in 
the  invention  of  means  for  the  destruction  of  human  kind.  How  many 
are  employed  in  the  science  and  practice  of  war.  How  many  are  occupied 
in  various  kinds  of  strife  and  antagonism,  how  many  stand  ready  to  shed 
the  blood  of  imiocent  men  —  their  brothers.  So  it  is  that  history  is 
blackened  with  this  record  of  human  intention  and  accomplishment. 
Every  hour  war  is  threatened  upon  some  new  pretext;  today  patriotism 
is  its  basis,  tomorrow  religious  prejudice,  racial  egotism,  territorial  greed, 
commercial  selfishness  —  it  matters  little  what  the  excuse  may  be  —  blood  is 
shed  and  human  beings  are  torn  to  pieces  upon  battlefields.  Political  inter- 
ests clash,  a  great  w'ar  follows,  sadness,  gloom  and  cruelty  envelop  the  world. 


44  COMPILATION 

But  you  are  endeavoring  to  uplift  the  standard  of  peace  in  the  world. 
You  must  continue  to  work  until  the  world  is  released  from  these  prejudices 
which  are  bringing  about  such  inhuman  conditions.  For  the  clouds  of 
war  will  surely  vanish  from  the  horizons.  There  is  no  doubt  that  your 
work  is  the  greatest  work  and  its  outcome  certain. 

You  must  rest  assured  and  let  there  be  no  traces  of  doubt  in  your  souls 
that  God  is  your  assister  and  helper.  The  heavenly  confirmations  will 
descend  upon  you  more  and  more.  God  will  protect  you  and  give  you 
new  strength  continually.  Your  world-motives  will  conquer  the  world 
of  men,  all  obstacles  will  disappear  before  your  advance.  No  earthly 
power  can  resist  the  onrushing  power  of  peace,  for  this  power  is  assisted 
by  the  power  of  God,  and  that  which  is  divinely  assisted  must  prevail. 
Consider  how  the  Cause  of  Christ  was  confirmed.  How  many  resisted 
it.  What  mountains  of  obstacles  were  raised  against  it.  What  hostile 
forces  sought  to  destroy  its  foundations.  Yet  the  kings  and  emperors 
of  the  world  could  not  resist  its  spread  and  establishment.  No  power  of 
earth  can  withstand  the  onflow  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth.  If  earthly  kings 
and  kingdoms  come  in  its  way,  it  will  conquer  and  they  will  be  overthrown 
always,  for  your  Cause  is  truth  itself  and  truth  is  omnipotent.  If  all  nations 
arise  to  prevent  they  will  be  vanquished  and  you  will  be  victorious.  *  *  * 

A  servant  of  God  is  he  who  gives  some  benefit  to  the  world  of  man. 
Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  7,  p.  4  (1912). 

After  journeying  throughout  the  United  States  of  America  and  the 
great  capitals  and  cities  of  Europe,  I  have  returned  to  the  East.  With 
the  results  of  this  journey  I  am  most  pleased  and  well  satisfied,  because 
I  met  noble  people  and  associated  with  worthy  souls  who  are  in  reality 
the  cause  of  honor  and  glory  to  the  world  of  humanity.  They  were 
learned  and  wise,  well-informed  of  the  realities  of  events  and  well-wishers 
of  the  human  world,  especially  the  advocates  of  universal  peace. 

In  these  days  the  world  of  humanity  is  afflicted  with  a  chronic  disease. 
It  is  one  of  bloodshed,  the  destruction  of  the  divine  edifice,  the  demolition 
of  cities  and  villages,  the  slaughter  of  the  noble  youths  of  the  world  of 
humanity,  children  becoming  orphans  and  women  homeless  and  shelter- 
less. What  calamity  is  greater  than  this!  What  crime  is  more  heinous 
than  this!  What  disease  is  more  dangerous  than  this!  What  folly  is 
more  direful  than  this! 

Consider  that  in  former  days  there  were  only  religious  wars,  but  now 
there  are  racial  and  political  wars  fought  at  staggering  expense  and  sacrifice. 
A  thousand  times,  alas,  for  this  ignorance,  this  bloodthirstiness  and  ferocity ! 
I  became  pleased  with  and  grateful  to  the  societies  which  are  organized 
in  the  West  for  the  promotion  of  universal  peace  and  with  whose  presidents, 
officers  and  members  I  frequently  conversed.  I  hope  that  the  sphere  of 
the  activities  of  these  societies  may  become  from  day  to  day  enlarged, 
so  that  the  lights  of  the  higher  ideals  may  illumine  all  regions,  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity  be  proclaimed  in  the  East  and  in  the  West  and 
the  world  of  humanity  may  attain  to  composure  and  well-being.  These 
revered  souls  who  are  the  servants  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  pro- 
moters of  the  cause  of  universal  peace  shall  ere  long  shine  like  brilliant 


ABDUL  BAHA  45 

stars  from  the  horizon  of  mankind,  flooding  the  regions  with  their  glorious 
lights. 

In  the  past  century  freedom  was  proclaimed  and  the  foundation  of 
liberty  was  laid  in  all  the  western  countries.  Praise  be  to  God,  that  the 
sun  of  justice  shone  forth  and  the  darkness  of  despotism  and  tyranny 
disappeared. 

Now  in  this  radiant  century  in  which  the  world  of  humanity  is  being 
matured  it  is  assured  that  the  flag  of  universal  peace  shall  become  unfurled 
and  shall  wave  over  all  regions  of  the  globe.  This  is  the  most  great  prin- 
ciple of  Baha'o'Uah,  for  the  promotion  of  which  all  Bahais  are  ready  to 
sacrifice  their  possessions  and  their  lives. 

Notwithstanding  my  bodily  weakness  and  infirmity  I  have  traveled 
East  and  West  for  the  last  three  years.  In  every  temple  I  cried  out  and 
before  every  audience  I  raised  my  voice  for  the  enlistment  of  their  sym- 
pathy. I  declared  the  evils  of  war  and  explained  the  benefits  of  universal 
peace.  I  elucidated  the  causes  which  lead  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  the 
world  of  humanity  and  told  them  of  the  ferocity  and  bloodthirstiness  of 
the  animal  kingdom.  I  showed  the  defects  of  the  world  of  nature  and 
made  an  exposition  of  the  means  whereby  the  illumination  of  the  world  of 
humanity  is  fully  realized.  I  unfolded  and  caused  the  appearance  of  the 
foundation  of  the  divine  religions  and  proclaimed  the  teachings  of  His 
Holiness  Baha'  o  'llah.  I  demonstrated  the  existence  of  God  by  irrefutable, 
rational  proofs  and  proved  the  validity  of  all  the  prophets  of  God.  I 
gave  utterance  to  my  inmost  conviction  that  the  reality  of  the  religion  of 
God  is  the  cause  of  the  life  of  the  world  of  humanity  —  it  is  divine  civiliza- 
tion and  pure  enlightenment. 

By  the  explanation  of  all  these  principles  my  object  has  been  no  other 
than  the  promotion  of  universal  peace.  Praise  be  to  God  that  I  found 
hearing  ears,  observed  seeing  eyes  and  discovered  informed  hearts.  There- 
fore, I  am  well  pleased  with  this  journey. 

But  on  the  other  hand  the  well-wishers  of  the  world  of  humanity  and 
the  advocates  of  universal  peace  must  make  an  extraordinary  forward 
movement,  organize  important  international  congresses  and  invite  as 
delegates  most  progressive  and  influential  souls  from  all  parts  of  the  world ; 
so  that  through  their  wise  counsels  and  deliberations  this  ideal  of  universal 
peace  may  leap  out  of  the  world  of  words  into  the  arena  of  actuality  and 
practical  demonstration.  It  is  true  that  this  question  is  of  paramount 
importance  and  will  not  be  realized  easily.  However,  we  must  take  hold 
of  every  means  until  the  desired  result  is  obtained. 

Fifty  years  ago  whosoever  talked  about  universal  peace  was  not  only 
ridiculed  but  called  a  visionary  and  Utopian.  Now,  praise  be  to  God,  this 
time  it  has  assumed  such  importance  that  everyone  acknowledges  that 
this  question  of  universal  peace  is  the  light  and  spirit  of  this  age.  But 
they  state  that  the  pathway  to  this  much  desired  goal  is  obstructed  by 
a  number  of  not  clearly  defined  stumbling  blocks  which,  however,  can 
be  removed  by  intelligently  and  persistently  educating  public  opinion. 

I  hope  the  noble  leaders  of  the  world  of  humanity  who  are  the  divine 
bestowals  among  the  people  and  the  means  of  pacification  among  the 
nations,  will  arise  with  the  utmost  of  effort  and  wholehearted  resolution 


46  COMPILATION 

to  extinguish  this  world-raging  conflagration;  especially  now  that  the  blood 
of  innocent  people  is  freely  shed  in  the  Balkan  states,  the  lamentation 
and  moanings  of  the  orphans  are  reaching  to  the  very  gate  of  heaven,  and 
the  disconsolate  cries  and  harrowing  agonies  of  the  mothers  penetrate 
our  souls  with  the  irresistible  force  of  human  tragedy.  Thus  through  the 
endeavor  of  these  guardians  of  the  rights  of  mankind  the  world  of  creation 
may  enjoy  the  repose  of  conciliation,  the  banner  of  universal  peace  be 
unfurled,  the  tabernacle  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  be  pitched, 
all  mankind  be  gathered  under  its  protecting  shade  and  the  shining  star 
of  the  eternal  felicity  and  happiness  of  the  world  of  humanity  may  dawn 
with  the  utmost  of  brilliancy  from  the  horizon  of  international  comity, 
and  the  luminous  orb  of  the  spiritual  brotherhood  of  all  races  and  tongues 
may  illumine  that  united  gathering  of  humanity  with  the  ineffable  lights 
of  God  throughout  countless  ages  and  cycles. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  120  (1913). 

I  have  just  been  told  that  there  has  been  a  terrible  accident  in  this  coun- 
try. A  train  has  fallen  into  the  river,  and  at  least  twenty  people  have  been 
killed.  This  is  going  to  be  a  matter  for  discussion  in  the  French  Parlia- 
ment today,  and  the  director  of  the  state  railway  will  be  called  upon  to 
speak. 

He  will  be  cross-examined  as  to  the  condition  of  the  railroad,  and  as  to 
what  caused  the  accident,  and  there  will  be  a  heated  argument.  I  am 
filled  with  wonder  and  surprise  to  notice  what  interest  and  excitement  has 
been  aroused  throughout  the  whole  country  on  account  of  the  death  of 
twenty  people,  while  they  remain  cold  and  indifferent  to  the  fact  that  thou- 
sands of  Italians,  Turks  and  Arabs  are  killed  in  Tripoli.  The  horror  of 
this  wholesale  slaughter  has  not  disturbed  the  Government  at  all.  Yet 
these  unfortunate  people  are  human  beings  too. 

Why  is  there  so  much  interest  and  eager  sympathy  shown  towards  these 
twenty  individuals,  while  for  five  thousand  persons  there  is  none.?  They 
are  all  men,  they  all  belong  to  the  family  of  mankind;  but  they  are  of  other 
lands  and  races.  It  is  no  concern  of  the  disinterested  countries  if  these 
men  are  cut  to  pieces,  this  wholesale  slaughter  does  not  affect  them.  How 
unjust,  how  cruel  is  this,  how  utterly  devoid  of  any  good  or  true  feeling! 
The  people  of  these  other  lands  have  children  and  wives,  mothers,  daugh- 
ters, and  li«:tle  sons.  In  these  countries  today  there  is  hardly  a  house  free 
from  the  sound  of  bitter  weeping,  scarcely  can  one  find  a  home  untouched 
by  the  cruel  hand  of  war. 

Alas !  We  see  on  all  sides  how  cruel,  prejudiced  and  unjust  is  man,  and 
how  slow  he  is  to  believe  in  God  and  follow  His  commandments.*  *  * 

Why  is  man  so  hard  of  heart?  It  is  because  he  does  not  yet  know  God. 
If  he  had  knowledge  of  God  he  could  not  act  in  direct  opposition  to  His 
laws;  if  he  were  spiritual  minded,  such  a  line  of  conduct  would  be  impos- 
sible to  him.  If  only  the  laws  and  precepts  of  the  prophets  of  God  had 
been  believed,  understood  and  followed,  wars  would  no  longer  darken  the 
face  of  the  earth.  If  man  even  had  the  rudiments  of  justice,  such  a  state 
of  things  would  be  impossible. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  105  (1911). 


ABDUL  BAHA  47 

War  is  the  work  of  satan,  the  de\iHsh  instrument  of  hell.  Nations  in 
various  ages  have  resorted  to  different  excuses  to  slaughter  their  fello^^'men 
and  crown  their  deeds  with  the  bloody  c^o^^'n  of  so  called  victory,  which 
we  may  call  defeat.  In  the  past  religious  wars  were  repeatedly  waged  on 
the  ground  that  this  is  a  Mohammedan,  that  is  a  Christian,  this  Hindu, 
that  a  Jew,  etc.  This  was  a  pretext  appealing  to  the  religious  emotions  of 
mankind. 

Another  excuse  has  been,  and  is,  that  of  country  or  patriotism:  that 
is  France,  that  is  Germany,  here  is  England,  and  that  is  India.  Let  my 
country  advance  at  the  expense  of  another.  Let  me  do  something  to  grab 
a  piece  of  somebody  else's  land.  Let  the  commerce  of  my  people  develop 
while  the  other  is  ruined.  The  wars  are  brought  about  by  kings,  politi- 
cians and  diplomats.  The  poor  people  of  all  countries  are  united  together 
by  an  invisible  bond  of  brotherhood.  They  have  nothing  to  fight  for,  they 
have  not  seen  each  other.  But  these  leaders  of  the  nations  live  in  their 
palaces,  are  surrounded  with  luxuries,  they  walk  for  recreation  in  gardens, 
they  give  royal  entertainments.  They  breathe  the  purest  air  in  their 
summer  palaces;  and  if  thej^  are  a  little  wearied  of  life  they  prefer  the 
rhythm  of  the  motions  of  the  waltz  in  the  ball  room  rather  than  the  stern 
realities  of  the  battlefield;  the  dreamy  music  of  the  drawing  room  is  more 
enjoyed  by  them  than  the  stirring  music  of  battle,  where  human  lives  are 
used  as  pawns  and  the  field  crimsoned  with  blood.  If  they  mean  what  they 
say,  let  them  go  to  war,  let  them  leave  the  indolent  life  of  council  chamber 
and  chancellories,  and  come  out  in  the  open  to  face  each  other  in  this  brute 
struggle  they  set  up  from  behind  closed  doors.  If  they  have  any  grievance 
against  each  other  why  should  they  marshal  huge  armies  against  each  other 
who  are  entirely  innocent?  Let  them  settle  their  disputes  in  the  best 
manner  their  consciences  dictate  to  them. 

Another  excuse  for  war  is  that  of  race.  This  is  black,  that  is  yellow; 
you  are  white,  he  is  red;  and  then  they  fall  on  each  others'  lives  instead  of 
on  each  others'  necks!  What  utter  stupidity!  What  sheer  ignorance! 
These  are  flimsy  excuses,  and  they  stand  neither  the  test  of  religion  nor 
reason.  They  are  pure  fictions  of  disordered  minds  and  interested  parties. 
While,  in  reality,  we  all  seek  to  worship  the  one  supreme  God,  Who  is  the 
Father  of  us  all.  He  is  the  shepherd  and  we  are  His  flock.  The  whole 
world  is  one  home,  and  mankind  are  the  members  of  one  family.  In  the 
estimation  of  God  there  are  not  many  races,  but  one  race,  and  that  is  huma- 
nity.    Therefore,  the  motives  for  all  these  wars  are  superficial  and  baseless. 

Countries  are  devastated,  villages  are  razed  to  the  ground,  thousands 
of  men,  women  and  children  are  killed  for  the  sake  of  these  shadowy  imag- 
inations. When  I  was  in  America  they  asked  me  whether  Turkey  would 
be  able  to  ward  off  defeat  inflicted  upon  her  by  the  Balkan  Allies.  I  an- 
swered: She  cannot  do  it,  because  she  is  one  and  they  are  four.  The  odds 
were  too  much  against  her.  In  a  way  she  was  surprised  and  attacked  on 
four  sides,  defeat  was  certain  in  the  face  of  the  combined  consolidation  of 
the  four  states.  But  I  said  also :  that  as  soon  as  the  Allies  (Balkan)  achieve 
their  whim  they  will  disagree  on  the  division  of  the  spoils,  and  the  erst- 
while friends  and  brothers  will  draw  swords  to  shed  each  others'  blood; 
and  as  you  see  now  these  predictions  have  come  to  pass.  *  *  * 


48  COMPILATION 

God  has  sent  His  prophets  and  messengers  to  wipe  away  these  preju- 
dices from  amongst  mankind.  May  He  assist  your  paper  to  carry  on  this 
work,  that  it  may  become  a  wonderful  instrument  for  the  propagation  of 
knowledge  and  peace,  that  it  may  vanquish  the  legions  of  darkness  and 
teach  that  all  the  souls  are  the  sheep  of  God,  that  they  must  love  each 
other. 

The  differences  which  exist  in  the  physiognomy  of  men,  although  sub- 
stantial and  extraneous,  do  not  lead  to  war;  then  why  should  the  differ- 
ences based  entirely  upon  human  imaginations  cause  bloodshed  and  car- 
nage? Is  this  worthy  the  station  of  man?  The  sheep,  the  doves,  although 
they  may  belong  to  different  countries  and  have  various  colors,  do  not 
fight.  If  you  gather  them  all  in  one  pasture,  or  at  the  top  of  one  tree,  they 
will  associate  with  each  other  with  perfect  intimacy  and  love.  Then  are 
we  less  than  these  domestic  animals?  Why  should  we  ever  create  any 
imaginary  differences  between  ourselves?  Why  should  we  build  walls  of 
iron  and  steel  w^ith  such  airy  materials  as  evil  thoughts,  malice,  race  hatred? 
Religion  is  the  cause  of  fellowship,  not  strangeness;  the  motive  of  ideal 
communion  and  not  ill  feeling;  the  foundation  of  the  solidarity  of  the 
human  race,  and  not  backbiting.  I  hope  that  you  will  work  night  and  day 
to  make  people  understand  these  divine  principles. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad 's  Diary,  Oct.  15,  1913. 

Look  thou  with  seeing  eyes  at  the  world  about  thee  and  at  the  inhabi- 
tants thereof.  Upon  the  stage  of  this  immense  theatre  most  spectacular 
plays  are  being  enacted.  On  one  side  thereof  thou  wilt  see  the  victorious 
and  the  vanquished  legions  of  profit  and  loss.  On  the  other  side  thou  wilt 
observe  the  waves  of  the  sea  of  folly  rising  and  falling.  Cries  are  being 
raised  on  every  side  and  the  agonies  of  revolution,  revolt  and  unrest  reach 
unto  the  ears  of  progressive  men.  There  is  a  tremendous  strike  and  clash 
between  capital  and  labor,  and  the  war  between  the  aristocrats  and  demo- 
crats is  carried  on  relentlessly  with  bov\^  and  arrow,  sword  and  javelin. 
The  phalanxes  of  a  great  army  are  dra"\\Ti  in  battle  array,  each  division 
taking  its  position.  Armed  troops  and  artillery  are  to  be  found  in  every 
part  of  the  field.  The  flash  of  the  swords  of  enmity  blind  the  ej^es  from 
even  the  most  remote  distance;  the  lightning  effect  of  breast-plate  and 
lance  and  the  sparkle  of  the  bucklers  of  hatred  light  up  the  night  and  be- 
wilder the  sight.  In  short,  strife,  battle,  slaughter  and  war  are  prepared  in 
organized  perfection. 

On  the  other  hand  thou  wilt  hear  that  from  every  house  strains  of  music 
are  raised,  and  confusing  melodies  of  harp,  lyre,  symbol  and  flute  are  heard, 
and  mad  revelers  are  dancing  to  the  tunes,  while  they  are  inebriated  with 
the  wine  of  vanishing  pleasures.  In  one  place  thou  wilt  behold  the  wanton 
and  soiled  decorations;  in  another  the  flimsy  show  of  the  gilded  class  of 
creatures.  On  the  one  hand  is  to  be  seen  the  embellishment  and  luxury 
made  possible  thru  illicit  wealth,  and  on  the  other  hand  the  ravishing  of  this 
mortal  world  of  its  beautiful  appearance. 

From  different  parts  are  to  be  heard  sighs  of  anguish,  lamentations  of 
poverty,  cries  of  agony  and  misery,  and  the  calls  for  succor  have  reached  to 
the  gate  of  heaven.     One  hears  the  weeping  of  the  hopeless,  the  appeals  of 


ABDUL  BAHA  49 

the  oppressed,  the  trembhng  murmurs  of  the  helpless  and  the  harrowing 
wails  of  the  shipwrecked  in  the  sea  of  persecution.  The  heat  of  the  con- 
flagration of  separation  spreads  on  all  sides.  The  fire  of  longing  is  raging 
with  great  intensity  and  the  tongues  of  the  flames  of  calamity  leap  forth 
in  every  direction.  Here  one  sees  the  opposition  of  kings  and  the  thought- 
lessness of  cabinet  ministers;  there  one  sees  conflict  on  the  battle  field  of 
thoughts  and  ideals  by  ambitious  generals,  statesmen  and  administrators 
of  the  nations  and  countries.  They  consult,  scheme,  plot  and  exchange 
views;  they  organize  fallacious  and  superfluous  companies  and  make  false 
the  established  values;  and  thus  do  they  lay  and  destroy  the  foundation  of 
their  political  careers. 

In  short:  when  thou  observest  these  things  with  the  eye  of  reality, 
thou  wilt  see  that  the  outcome,  result  and  fruit  of  all  these  theatrical  per- 
formances are  mirages  and  their  sweetness  is  bitter  poison.  A  few  days 
the  earth  shall  roll  on  its  axis  and  these  fleeting  visions  will  be  completely 
forgotten. 

When  thou  shuttest  thine  eyes  to  this  dark  world  and  lookest  upward 
and  heavenward,  thou  wilt  see  light  upon  light  stretching  from  eternity  to 
eternity.  The  reality  of  the  mysteries  will  be  revealed.  Happy  is  the 
pure  soul  who  does  not  attach  himself  to  the  transient  conditions  and  com- 
forts, but  rather,  seeks  to  attach  himself  to  the  purity,  nobility  and  splendor 
of  the  world  which  endures.      Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  273  (1913). 

A  resurrection  is  set  up!  The  world  is  topsy-turvy!  The  wrong  side 
of  human  character  is  up.  A  general  melee  of  the  civilized  nations  is  in 
sight.  A  tremendous  conflict  is  at  hand.  The  world  is  at  the  threshold  of 
a  most  tragic  struggle.  The  evil  forces  of  war  are  plotting  against  man- 
kind. The  dark  waves  of  sinister  motives  and  satanic  passions  are  battling 
in  the  breasts  of  men.  The  shafts  of  intrigues  and  diplomatic  deceits  have 
blackened  the  sky  of  men's  conscience.  The  chancellories  of  Europe  have 
become  the  combustible  storehouses  of  warlike  thoughts.  Menacing, 
hidden  forces  are  brought  upon  the  stage  of  spectacular  play.  Vast  armies, 
millions  of  men,  are  being  mobilized  and  centered  at  the  frontiers.  They 
are  being  prepared  for  the  fearful  contest.  The  slightest  friction  will  bring 
them  into  a  terrific  clash  and  then  there  will  be  a  conflagration,  the  like  of 
which  is  not  recorded  in  the  past  history  of  mankind. 

While  in  America  I  spoke  before  many  peace  societies,  churches  and 
conventions  and  foretold  the  fearful  consequences  of  armed  peace  in  Europe. 
I  said:  "Europe  is  like  unto  an  arsenal  and  one  tiny  spark  will  cause  a 
universal  combustion.  O  men,  come  ye  together  and  as  far  as  possible 
try  to  extinguish  this  world-raging  fire.  Do  your  utmost  to  prevent  the 
occurrence  of  this  general  conflict.  Make  ye  an  effort  so  that  this  flood- 
gate of  human  butchery  may  not  be  set  loose." 

I  found  no  one  to  listen  to  my  ad\'ise.  I  searched,  but  there  were  no 
hearing  ears.  I  cried  at  the  top  of  my  voice,  I  pleaded,  I  enunciated  the 
evils  of  war,  but  people  were  self-occupied,  self-centered,  and  now  this  is  the 
result.  They  have  witnessed,  they  have  experienced  in  the  past  that  war 
is  conducive  to  the  destruction  of  the  foundation  of  the  edifice  of  humanity, 
the  cause  of  the  devastation  of  the  world  of  commerce,  industry,  arts  and 


50  COMPILATION 

trade.  The  combatants  —  the  conqueror  and  the  conquered  —  are  both 
losers.  Neither  party  gains  any  substantial  profit.  The  two  combatants 
are  like  unto  two  ships  which  collide  against  each  other.  One  may  sink 
to  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  but  the  other  will  also  carry  away  its  injuries  and 
bruises.     Therefore,  the  victor  and  the  defeated  fail  to  obtain  any  benefit. 

The  utmost  is  this:  Temporarily  one  country  holds  the  territory  of 
another.  This  is  of  short  duration.  In  the  course  of  the  life  of  that  nation 
a  time  will  sooner  or  later  come  when  the  conquered  will  become  again  the 
conqueror.  In  the  political  history  of  France  and  Germany  and  their  wars, 
such  reverses  of  national  fortunes  have  often  occurred. 

It  is  very  strange  to  see  how  illusion  has  taken  possession  of  the  hearts 
of  men,  while  reality  has  no  sway  whatsoever.  For  example:  Racial  dif- 
ference is  an  optical  illusion.  It  is  a  figment  of  imagination,  yet  how  deep- 
seated  and  powerful  is  its  influence.  No  one  can  deny  the  fact  that  man- 
kind in  ioto  are  the  progeny  of  Adam,  that  they  are  the  offshoots  of  one 
primal  stock,  yet  the  optical  illusion  has  so  radically  misrepresented  this 
plain  truth  that  they  have  divided  and  subdivided  themselves  into  so  many 
tribes  and  nations.  This  is  German,  the  other  is  French;  that  is  English, 
a  fourth  is  Italian,  a  fifth  is  Austrian,  a  sixth  is  Russian,  etc.  Although 
many  intelligent  men  amongst  them  know  that  this  racial  difference  is 
an  optical  illusion,  yet  they  all  confess  their  inability  to  stand  firm  before 
its  uncanny,  invisible  power.  The  reality  is  that  all  mankind  are  from  one 
progeny  and  belong  to  one  family,  but  although  this  is  the  reality  it  ex- 
ercises no  permanent  influence  upon  the  minds.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  So  many  wars  have  taken  place,  so  many  countries  are  devas- 
tated, so  many  cities  are  ruined,  and  yet  people  are  not  satisfied  with  human 
butchery,  are  not  satisfied  with  carnage  and  bloodshed.  Still  the  hearts 
are  stiff  and  unfeeling,  still  the  souls  are  callous  and  cold,  still  the  minds  are 
dark  and  frigid,  still  the  people  are  unsusceptible  and  unyielding,  still  they 
are  in  deep  sleep.  O,  when  will  they  be  awakened!  When  will  they  be- 
come merciful!  When  will  they  practice  the  Golden  Rule!  This  hatred 
and  animosity  destroy  the  basis  of  the  structure  of  humanity,  while  love  and 
amity  are  conducive  to  the  well-being  and  prosperity  of  mankind.  *  *  * 

Today  the  people  are  thrown  into  the  utmost  consternation.  How 
many  fathers  were  lamenting  and  groaning  last  night  and  how  many  moth- 
ers were  crying  and  weeping  in  this  town  and  Acca.  They  are  thrown  into 
such  a  panic,  they  are  so  alarmed  that  no  description  can  give  an  adequate 
picture.  Why  this  tyranny!  Who  has  obliged  them  to  perpetrate  these 
acts  of  savagery?  The  kings  and  the  rulers,  the  politicians  and  the  states- 
men live  in  the  utmost  ease  in  their  palaces  and  send  these  innocent  men 
and  peasants  who  have  never  seen  each  other,  into  the  battle  field  to  tear 
each  other  to  pieces  with  shells  and  cannon  balls.  The  armies  are  the 
pawns  to  be  played  with  on  the  chess  board  of  their  fiendish  ambitions. 
How  cruel  is  this!  How  pitiless  is  this!  How  brutal  is  this!  How  fero- 
cious is  this!  These  so-called  leaders  of  humanity  are  not  willing  to  let 
even  one  hair  fall  from  their  heads.  They  are  cowards  and  are  sulking  in 
darkness.  Why  do  they  send  these  thousands  and  thousands  of  men  to  the 
field  of  carnage  to  be  mown  down  by  each  other  like  the  grass ! 


ABDUL  BAHA  51 

*  *  *  If  a  number  of  imaginary  or  real  difficulties  have  arisen  bet\A'een 
Austria  and  Servia,  if  they  are  really  disinterested  and  are  anxious  to  keep 
the  balance  of  the  powers,  and  not  disturb  the  peace  of  Europe,  why  do  they 
not  go  before  the  Court  of  Arbitration?  The  impartial  members  of  that 
Court  of  Arbitral  Justice  will  look  into  the  nature  of  the  claims  of  each 
party  and  after  mature  investigation  decide  which  one  is  right.  Were  they 
ready  to  refer  all  their  differences  to  such  a  court  this  war  would  have  been 
obviated. 

The  Universal  Court  of  Arbitration  is  the  only  body  that  shall  resolve 
all  the  disagreements  and  contentions  that  arise  between  the  nations  of  the 
world.  Extraordinary  exertion  must  be  put  forward  by  the  civilized  gov- 
ernments to  organize  such  an  influential  international  organization,  before 
which  all  their  quarrels  may  be  arbitrated.  What  better  plan  can  be  con- 
ceived by  man?  What  harm  is  there  in  this?  The  Rulers,  the  Cabinet 
Ministers  and  the  Administrations  of  each  country  will  find  the  utmost 
comfort  and  ease,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  their  labors. 

If  we  reflect  carefully  we  observe  that  since  history  has  been  written 
and  the  deeds  of  mankind  recorded  and  preserved,  no  one  can  point  out  a 
single  instance  that  peace,  love  and  amity  have  been  ruinous  and  harmful 
in  their  result.  They  have  filled  the  world  with  joy  and  radiance  and 
happiness.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  More  astonishing  than  all  these  matters  is  this:  These  warring 
nations  believe  that  the  object  of  the  religion  of  God  is  war  and  strife. 
This  is  the  most  preposterous  idea  that  any  man  could  let  enter  into  his 
mind.  How  negligent  are  the  people!  How  thoughtless  and  inadvertent 
they  are !  It  is  as  though  there  is  not  a  single  iota  of  love  in  the  hearts  of 
men,  as  though  they  have  never  heard  the  name  of  love,  as  though  their 
hearts  are  the  sepulchres  of  hatred  and  en\y.  Man  is  the  most  ferocious 
animal,  yet  does  he  accuse  the  wild  beasts  of  the  jungle  of  this  quality. 

O  poor  wolf!  O  wronged  wolf!  The  wolf  tears  to  pieces  one  sheep  in 
order  to  keep  its  body  alive.  If  it  does  not  kill  the  sheep  it  will  die  of 
hunger,  because  being  a  carnivorous  animal  it  cannot  eat  grass.  But  man, 
who  considers  himself  lord  of  creation,  will  become  the  cause  of  the  total 
annihilation  of  a  million  of  his  fellow-beings.  The  poor  wolf  is  a  very  in- 
competent tyro  in  comparison  with  this  kind  of  man.  Then  he  will  boast, 
"I  am  a  conqueror,  I  am  a  hero,  I  am  a  victor,  I  am  a  superior  General,  I 
am  a  Field-Marshal,  I  am  an  Admiral!"  Man!  It  is  better  for  thee  to 
hide  thy  head  under  the  earth !  Thou  hast  crimsoned  the  ground  with  the 
blood  of  thy  brothers.  Thy  hands  are  stained  with  their  blood.  Thou 
hast  slaughtered  and  butchered  God's  own  children.  Thou  hast  de- 
stroyed the  living  temples  of  the  spirit.  Thou  hast  trampled  under  thy 
feet  the  rights  of  men.  Thou  hast  snuffed  out  the  burning  lamps  of  life 
and  truth.  It  is  strange,  passing  strange,  that  notwithstanding  all  these 
\aolations  of  divine  law,  thou  art  yet  wantonly  boasting  and  exalting  thy- 
self above  all  mankind.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  165. 

The  gathering  storm  is  most  portentious.  Mankind  is  gripped  in  the 
paroxysm  of  fearful  alarm.  They  are  in  the  throes  of  a  deadly  consterna- 
tion.    On  their  ashen  faces  are  engraved  the  distorted  pictures  of  the 


52  COMPILATION 

coming  horrors.  The  kind  shepherds  have  turned  suddenly  into  ferocious 
wolves,  tearing  the  sheep  and  the  lambs  into  pieces.  Mercy  has  hidden 
its  face,  love  has  covered  its  countenance,  sympathy  does  not  stretch 
forth  its  arms,  affection  has  flown  away.  Truth  finds  itself  a  stranger 
among  a  large  company  of  hypocritical  admirers  and  peace  does  not 
envisage  itself  in  the  clear  mirror  of  the  pure  hearts. 

About  ten  or  fifteen  days  ago  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  the  German 
Consul  and  discussing  with  him  the  ominous  signs  of  the  coming  European 
war.  He  delivered  himself  of  the  opinion  current  amongst  the  statesmen 
that  a  nation  must  go  on  increasing  her  annual  military  and  naval  expendi- 
tures if  she  desires  to  protect  her  growing  commercial  and  national  interests 
from  the  attack  of  her  equally  powerful  and  expanding  neighbors  or  rivals; 
that  the  greater  the  military  devices  and  paraphernalia,  the  more  one  is 
assured  of  the  progress  of  the  nation  and  her  constantly  developing  re- 
sources. In  that  meeting  there  were  present  a  number  of  Germans  and 
other  nationalities.  Strange  to  say,  on  this  question  they  all  agreed  with 
the  Consul  and  concurred  in  his  opinion  as  though  he  had  voiced  their 
hidden  and  most  cherished  thoughts. 

I  said :  If  the  power  of  love  and  peace  become  predominant  and  supreme 
their  effects  will  be  greater  than  the  power  of  hate  and  Mars,  the  god  of 
war.  In  the  world  of  existence  there  is  no  power  as  efficacious  and  as 
penetrative  as  the  power  of  love.  Military  power  coerces  and  compels 
men  through  unnatural  resort  to  force  and  violation,  but  mankind  yields 
happily  and  willingly  to  the  power  of  love. 

The  war  expenses  of  each  nation  have  increased  greatly  of  late  years. 
Although  there  has  not  been  the  physical  clash  and  turmoil  of  actual  war, 
yet  in  reality  a  financial  and  economic  war  has  been  going  on  incessantly 
and  draining  the  resources  of  the  people.  For  a  goodly  portion  of  what 
the  poor  laborers,  farmers  and  artisans  get  with  the  sweat  of  their  brows 
and  the  labor  of  their  hands  is  taken  from  them  under  the  name  of  taxes 
and  expended  for  military  preparations.  Hence  war  is  uninterrupted. 
This  exaction  breeds  discontent,  class  feeling  and  group  consciousness 
against  the  estabhshed  order;  everyone  realizing  that  human  society  is 
out  of  gear.  Now  if  they  could  employ  this  pugnacity,  this  hammer  and 
tongs,  this  fist  and  heel  spirit,  this  feverish  haste  in  the  accumulation  of 
war  materials,  this  waste  of  great  thoughts  over  the  perfection  of  military 
science,  I  say,  if  they  could  expend  their  exertions  and  efforts,  this  endeavor, 
in  bringing  about  love  amongst  mankind,  in  strengthening  the  ties  of 
interdependence  between  the  nations  and  governments  and  in  establishing 
fellowship  and  affinity  between  the  races,  how  much  more  efficacious  it 
would  be.  Instead  of  unsheathing  the  sword  to  shed  each  other's  blood 
they  could  think  of  the  perfection  of  each  other's  civilization,  sciences,  arts, 
progress  and  advancement.  Is  this  not  better.''  Is  it  not  worthier  for  the 
noble   station   of   man? 

The  German  Consul  and  the  others  would  not  think  of  accepting  my 
ideas  and  started  to  object  to  them. 

Then  I  said  again:  What  victory  will  you  gain  out  of  this  war?  What 
will  be  the  outcome  of  this  bloodshed?  What  will  be  the  fruit  of  this  on- 
slaught?    What  will  be  the  result  of  this  aggression? 


ABDUL  BAHA  53 

From  the  beginning  of  history  to  the  present  time  what  has  been  the 
profit  that  humanity  has  gathered  from  war?  Nothing  but  ruin,  devasta- 
tion, the  desecration  of  the  holy  rights  of  man,  vandaHsm,  carnage  and 
the  brutahzation  of  the  ideals  deposited  by  God  in  the  hearts  of  men. 
And  if  we  read  the  spirit  of  modern  history  aright,  we  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  there  is  no  war  of  conquest,  the  conqueror  and  the  conquered 
find  themselves  in  manifest  loss  at  the  end  of  the  engagement.  *  *  * 

Consider  what  ideal  victories,  what  brilliant  triumphs,  what  spiritual 
traces,  what  heavenly  successes  have  become  manifest  through  the  power 
of  love!  Therefore,  how  much  nobler  and  worthier  would  it  be  if  the 
sages  and  thinkers  of  the  world  expended  their  physical,  intellectual  and 
moral  forces  in  the  promulgation  of  the  power  of  love  amongst  mankind. 
This  power  of  love  is  the  means  of  reciprocity  and  [cooperation  between 
nations.  It  is  the  cause  of  their  everlasting  glory.  It  is  conducive  to 
the  composure  and  security  of  the  world  of  creation. 

I  found  my  listeners  still  far  from  accepting  my  plea.  They  were 
silenced,  but  I  knew  it  was  a  silence  out  of  respect  and  not  an  acknowledg- 
ment and  a  confession  that  they  were  convinced.  I  found  today  that, 
owing  to  the  declaration  of  war  in  Europe,  the  Germans  in  this  colony 
are  very  sad  and  depressed,  so  much  so  that  it  is  indescribable.  They 
know  that  they  are  in  danger,  the  danger  of  the  defeat  of  the  Fatherland. 
Then  why  should  they  hail  war? 

Pursuing  my  conversation  with  the  German  Consul  and  others  I  said: 
In  reality  all  the  inhabitants  of  Europe  owe  their  allegiance  to  one  religion 
and  that  is  the  religion  of  His  Holiness  Christ.  They  also  belong  to  one 
racial  stock,  which  is  no  other  than  Aryan;  which  parent  stock  migrated 
from  Asia  in  ancient  times  and  settled  in  the  different  parts  of  that  unin- 
habited country.  After  the  lapse  of  many  generations,  one  community 
called  itself  Frank,  another  Saxon,  another  Norman,  another  Latin,  etc. 
Later  on,  step  by  step,  they  fabricated  the  means  of  differences  and  many 
misconceptions  crept  in  which  added  day  by  day  to  the  gravity  of  the 
situation.  Furthermore,  were  we  to  ponder  carefully  we  will  realize  that 
they  are  living  on  one  continent,  Europe.  Hence,  if  they  claim  that  their 
misunderstanding  is  on  account  of  religious  differences,  as  they  are  over- 
shadowed by  the  influence  of  one  religion,  it  must  not  exist.  If  they  state 
that  their  alienation  comes  from  racial  bias,  because  they  are  descendants 
of  one  primal  race  it  must  be  brushed  aside.  If  they  assert  that  their 
strife  is  on  patriotic  grounds,  inasmuch  as  they  inhabit  the  one  continent, 
it  must  have  no  weight.  Moreover,  they  are  all  mankind.  They  have 
grown  from  one  common  trunk  and  are  the  branches  of  one  tree.  *  *  * 
Wherever  man  chooses  to  live,  there  is  his  home  and  his  country.  God 
has  not  divided  this  earth.  It  is  one  globe,  one  sphere.  These  boundaries 
that  you  have  defined  are  the  greatest  illusions  that  man  could  ever  con- 
ceive in  his  mind.  They  have  no  reality.  It  is  similar  to  the  division 
of  one  room  into  different  sections,  with  so  many  hypothetical  lines,  calling 
this  corner  Germany,  that  corner  France  and  another  corner  England. 
Of  a  truth,  these  suppositional  lines  have  no  outward  existence. 

*  *  *  Again,  let  us  go  a  little  further  and  investigate  and  find  out  what 
is  this  country  over  which  you  so  quarrel  and  scramble.     A  piece  of  land. 


54  COMPILATION 

If  this  is  the  case,  very  well  then,  it  is  self-evident  that  man  lives  above 
this  earth  only  for  a  few  days  and  then  for  all  eternity  he  will  go  under  it. 
It  is  his  everlasting  graveyard,  his  unchangeable  cemetery.  Is  it  worthy 
of  man  to  fight  over  his  own  burying-ground,  to  shed  the  blood  of  his  own 
brethren,  to  destroy  the  divine  edifice,  for  man  is  the  edifice  of  God.-*  Is 
it  noble  of  him  to  commit  all  these  inhuman  atrocities  for  the  necropolis 
of  dead  bodies.'' 

The  object  is  this:  These  remarks  were  not  relished  by  the  Germans 
on  that  day,  but  I  saw  them  today  in  an  unhappy  mood.  They  were 
visibly  agitated  and  disturbed.  On  the  other  hand  they  are  manifesting 
great  courage  and  patriotism.  The  yoimg  men  have  given  up  their  work 
and  are  ready  to  start  for  Germany.  There  are  more  than  fifty  volunteers, 
and  probably  from  this  small  colony  nearly  one  hundred  young  men  will 
leave  for  the  scene  of  war.  They  are  doing  this  with  perfect  joy  and 
without  the  least  complaint.  But  today's  news  that  Russia,  England 
and  France  have  united  together  to  crush  Germany  has  given  them  much 
food  for  thought. 

How  cruel  man  is  to  send  his  brothers  into  the  battlefield,  so  that  they 
may  cut  each  other  to  pieces!  Just  on  the  simple  ground  that  thou  art 
a  German,  I  am  English  and  he  is  French.  Although  in  reality  they  are 
all  human  and  are  living  beneath  the  shade  of  one  God  and  His  divine 
bestowals,  favors  and  bounties  have  encircled  all  of  them.  They  are  all 
the  sheep  of  God  and  He  as  the  spiritual  shepherd  is  merciful  to  all. 

In  short,  the  display  of  this  barbaric  passion  is  no  other  than  the  passion 
of  nature.  These  men,  like  unto  animals,  are  the  prisoners  of  nature, 
subdued  and  overcome  by  nature.  According  to  the  requirement  of 
nature,  the  animals  are  pugnacious  and  strive  in  the  destruction  of  each 
other.  In  the  world  of  nature  there  are  aggression,  bloodthirstiness, 
oppression,  struggle  for  existence,  rapacity.  These  qualities  are  the  natural 
laws  of  nature.  Just  as  these  animals  are  captives  of  nature,  similarly 
man  is  conquered,  subjugated  and  humbled  by  nature.  For  example, 
anger  gets  the  better  of  man,  ferocity  prevails  and  he  becomes  the  subject 
of  the  lower  passions.  What  are  all  these?  They  are  no  other  than  the 
mandates  of  the  world  of  nature. 

Only  those  persons  who  are  in  reality  believers  in  God,  who  have 
witnessed  the  signs  of  God,  are  attracted  to  the  Kingdom  of  God,  and 
have  turned  their  faces  towards  God,  they,  and  they  alone,  are  freed  from 
the  bloody  claws  of  nature.  Whereas  formerly  they  were  the  subjects 
of  nature,  now  they  become  the  rulers.  Whereas  before  they  were  van- 
quished by  nature,  now  they  become  its  victors.  In  brief,  while  nature 
invites  man  to  the  baser  propensities  of  ego  and  self,  the  love  of  God 
attracts  him  to  the  worlds  of  sanctity  and  holiness,  justice  and  generosity, 
mercy  and  humanity.    Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  179  (Aug.  6,  1914). 

Mirza  Ahmad  having  quoted  from  some  English  newspapers,  just 
received  from  London,  expressions  attributed  to  Germany,  added,  "There 
are  many  such  defiant  articles  in  this  paper." 

Abdul  Baha  said:  These  utterances  are  based  upon  hopelessness  and 
purblind  fury.     They  are  not  weighed  in  the  balance  of  judgment  and 


ABDUL  BAHA  55 

understanding.  They  are  not  conducive  to  any  possible  approachment 
or  mutual  understanding.  Like  unto  cross  children  they  (the  nations) 
are  throwing  stones  at  each  other.  Now  it  is  high  time  they  should  think 
about  peace  and  not  revenge,  life,  not  death,  civilization,  not  savagery,  con- 
struction, not  destruction.     Their  protestations  for  peace  must  be  genuine. 

It  is  said  that  once  a  Mohammedan,  a  Christian  and  a  Jew  were  rowing 
in  a  boat.  Suddenly  a  tempest  arose,  the  boat  was  tossed  on  the  crest 
of  the  waves  and  their  lives  were  in  danger.  The  Mohammedan  began 
to  pray:  "O  God,  drown  this  infidel  of  a  Christian!"  The  Christian  sup- 
plicated to  the  Almighty:  "O  Father,  send  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea  this 
polytheistic  Moslem!" 

They  observed  that  the  Jew  was  not  offering  any  prayer  and  therefore 
asked  him,  "Why  doest  thou  not  pray  for  relief?"  He  answered,  "I  am 
praying.     I  am  asking  the  Lord  to  answer  the  prayers  of  both  of  you!" 

Now  this  is  the  stern  attitude  of  the  combatants  in  Europe.  Each 
government,  claiming  its  cause  is  right  and  just,  is  calling  on  God  to  help 
and  assist  its  army.  But  we  are  praying  day  and  night  that  peace  and 
reconciliation  may  be  established  amongst  them;  that  they  may  abandon 
this  slaughter  of  their  fellowmen  and  devote  the  rest  of  their  lives  to  the 
progress  of  the  world  and  to  laying  for  eternity  the  cornerstone  of  a  last- 
ing peace.   *  *  * 

Apparently  there  were  three  chief  causes  that  led  England  into  this  war. 

First:  The  continuance  of  the  British  rule  of  the  wide  sea.  Germany 
for  the  last  few  years  has  been  threatening  to  wrest  away  this  command 
from  her,  and  this  would  have  been  the  death-knell  and  the  disintegration 
of  the  British  Empire,  so  laboriously  built  up. 

Second:  Germany  of  late  has  been  encroaching  commercially  upon 
England,  competing  with  her  in  all  lines  and  was  trying  to  outstrip  her 
in  commercial  enterprise  and  alertness. 

Third:  The  extension  of  English  political  influence  in  Europe.  Eng- 
land desired  to  show  actually  that,  strictly  speaking,  she  is  an  European 
and  not  an  insular  nation,  as  has  been  often  asserted. 

On  the  other  hand,  Germany  w^as  prompted  by  two  main  causes, 
which  may  claim  many  subsidiary  causes. 

First:  The  consolidation  of  all  the  German-speaking  people  under 
one  system  of  political  organization,  with  Prussia  at  its  head.  In  other 
words,  she  was  obsessed  by  the  Pan-Germanic  propaganda. 

Second :  To  increase  her  national  commerce  by  extending  the  boundary 
of  Germanic  influence. 

In  order  to  attain  fully  to  these  two  far-reaching  plans,  she  adopted 
every  means,  built  a  magnificent  na\y  and  trained  millions  of  men  for 
the  defense  of  these  interests.  *  *  * 

It  will  take  hundreds  of  years  to  repair  all  this  colossal  loss  and  ruin. 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Oct.  20,  1914. 

*  *  *  War  is  a  grievous  calamity.  It  begins  and  ends  in  disaster.  A 
mother  has  a  beautiful  boy,  filled  with  every  grace  and  promise.  He 
develops  into  manhood,  goes  to  war  and  in  an  instant  all  his  possibilities 
and  usefulness  are  cut  off. 

Abdul  Baha.     "Ten  Days  in  the  Light  of  Acca,"  p.  44. 


56  COMPILATION 

*  *  *  What  is  this  land,  this  earth?  Is  it  not  this:  that  for  a  few  years 
we  hve  on  this  earth,  then  it  becomes  our  grave,  our  cemetery?  Eternally 
shall  we  be  beneath  it.  Now  is  it  beneficial  or  kind  to  engage  in  war  and 
strife  for  an  eternal  cemetery?  Many  generations  have  come  and  have 
lived  for  a  short  time  on  this  earth  and  are  buried  under  it.  It  is  the 
universal  graveyard  of  humanity.  Is  it  praiseworthy  that  we  engage  in 
warfare,  shedding  blood,  destroying  homes,  pillaging  the  wealth  of  nations 
and  killing  little  children  beneath  the  hoofs  of  horses?  Is  it  worthy  that 
we  sacrifice  eternal  life  and  the  everlasting  soul  of  man,  for  the  sake  of  a 
little  dust? 

There  is  no  doubt  that  God  is  displeased  with  this.  There  is  no  doubt 
that  the  perfect  man  will  not  approve.  Justice  and  equity  will  not  permit 
it.  It  is  a  pity  man  is  today  engaged  in  such  warfare.  Therefore,  I  hope 
that  you  who  are  members  of  a  noble  nation  —  praise  be  to  God  that  you 
are  a  civilized  nation  —  will  strive  with  all  your  might  to  raise  the  standard 
of  the  oneness  of  humanity  and  unfurl  the  flag  of  international  peace  over 
all  regions  of  the  earth;  that  peace  amongst  all  nations,  religions  and 
races,  may  be  an  accomplished  fact.  This  is  my  request  to  you  all.  That 
you  may  be  assisted  and  confirmed  in  this  service,  be  assured!  May  you 
ever  be  manif estors  of  di\ane  mercy .  May  you  ever  be  protected  beneath  the 
shelter  of  God,  and  may  you  ever  be  submerged  in  the  mercies  of  the  Almighty. 
Abdul  Baha.    Extract  from  address  given  in  Liverpool,  Eng.,  Dec.  15,  1912. 

God,  the  maker  of  the  worlds,  hath  created  the  realm  of  humanity 
to  be  the  paradise  of  Eden  if  the  edifice  of  peace,  reconciliation,  love  and 
faithfulness  be  founded  on  a  solid  and  firm  basis;  nay  rather.  He  hath 
willed  it  to  become  the  mirror  reflecting  the  delectable  paradise.  Then, 
and  not  until  then,  will  all  the  divine  bounties  become  manifold;  happiness 
and  well-being  infinite;  the  virtues  of  the  world  of  humanity  revealed  and 
resplendent  and  the  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  visible  from  every  direction. 

Consider  that  His  Holiness  Adam  and  others  were  living  in  paradise, 
but  as  soon  as  strife  became  known  between  him  and  satan,  everyone  was 
driven  away  from  Eden,  so  that  the  children  of  humanity  might  learn  a 
lesson  and  realize  that  quarrels  and  strife,  even  though  with  satan,  are 
conducive    to    deprivation. 

Therefore,  in  this  radiant  century,  according  to  the  heavenly  teachings, 
altercation  and  dispute  are  not  allowable,  even  though  assailed  by  satan 
himself. 

Astonishing  it  is  that,  notwithstanding  the  inculcation  of  this  lesson, 
yet  man  has  remained  ignorant.  From  one  end  of  the  world  to  the  other 
the  realm  of  humanity  is  engaged  in  hostilities  and  war.  There  is  enmity 
between  the  religions.  There  is  hatred  between  the  classes.  There  is 
war  between  the  fatherlands.  There  is  contention  between  the  diplomats. 
How  delightful  it  would  now  be  could  these  black  clouds  be  dispersed 
from  the  horizon  of  the  world,  letting  the  light  of  reality  shine;  the  dust 
of  slaughter  and  the  crime  of  shedding  blood  be  swept  away;  the  breeze 
of  providence  from  the  dawning  place  of  peace  and  salvation  be  wafted; 
thus  the  world  would  become  a  new  world  and  the  face  of  the  earth  receive 
new  life  from  the  rays  of  the  divinely  effulgent  light  of  God. 


ABDUL  BAHA  57 

Our  hope  is  in  the  favors  of  the  glorious  Lord,  trusting  that  His  provi- 
dence and  protection  will  encircle  us.  May  the  bitterness  of  struggle, 
warfare  and  the  cruelty  of  the  blood-shedding  sword  be  changed  into  the 
sweetness  of  friendship,  reconciliation,  righteousness  and  justice.  May 
the  taste  become  sweetened,  the  nostrils  perfumed  with  the  essence  of  the 
rose. 

May  this  New  Year  be  made  the  occasion  of  the  "New  Peace!"  May 
this  conference  be  assisted  and  aided  to  inaugurate  an  era  of  peace  with 
justice  and  to  establish  the  basis  of  a  fair  treaty  and  agreement,  so  that 
their  work  may  be  blessed  for  ever  and  ever. 

Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  3. 

In  my  talks  with  the  revered  doctors  of  religion  and  men  of  the  peace 
societies  I  have  spoken  the  glad-tidings  of  Baha'o'Uah,  but  always  accord- 
ing to  their  varying  need  and  capacity.  As  capacities  differ,  the  purpose 
must  be  to  satisfy  the  degree  of  hunger,  destroy  all  possible  antagonism 
and  establish  a  point  of  agreement.  We  cannot  induce  men  to  lay  down 
their  arms  by  fighting  with  them.  War  intensifies  the  spirit  of  strife. 
War  begets  war.  We  are  peace-makers,  not  destroyers  of  peace.  There- 
fore Abdul  Baha  finds  the  note  of  harmony  which  vibrates  in  every  human 
heart.  This  is  our  subtle  basis,  build  upon  it.  Follow  no  other  method. 
Talk  about  things  upon  which  we  agree  and  say  nothing  about  things 
upon  which  we  differ.  We  must  disorganize  humanism  in  order  to  con- 
struct a  spiritual  edifice  in  the  world  of  humanity.  This  edifice  is  heavenly, 
but  its  foundations  are  planted  in  the  unity  of  the  human  hearts. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  18. 

The  Czar  of  Russia  suggested  the  Hague  Peace  Conference  and  proposed 
a  decrease  in  armament  for  all  nations.  In  this  Conference  it  was  proved 
that  peace  was  beneficial  to  all  countries  and  that  war  destroyed  trade,  etc. 
The  Czar's  words  were  admirable,  though  after  the  Conference  was  over  he 
himself  was  the  first  to  declare  war  (against  Japan) . 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  54, 

In  war  both  parties  are  wTong.  Neither  Japan  nor  Russia  is  fulfilling 
the  law  and  will  of  God.  The  kings  and  rulers  of  the  world  will  find  their 
true  authority  under  the  rulings  of  the  House  of  Justice.  The  law  of  God 
will  be  vested  in  nineteen  men  who  will  compose  the  House  of  Justice 
and  render  decisions.  War  is  never  necessary.  It  is  always  an  expense 
and  a  calamity,  never  a  great  help.  God  utilizes  even  the  wars  of  nations 
to  carry  out  His  ultimate  purposes.  The  House  of  Justice  will  decide 
between  kings  and  kings.  All  judgment  will  be  from  the  standpoint  of 
God's  laws.  Then  rich  and  poor  will  be  alike  justly  treated.  WTien 
men  are  developed  spiritually  they  obey  God.  The  rule  of  the  House  of 
Justice  will  be  the  dominion  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Human  will  brings  conditions  to  a  climax  in  the  affairs  of  nations. 
The  only  solution  and  remedy  is  the  administration  of  God's  laws. 

Abdul  Baha.     Ten  Days  in  the  Light  of  Acca,  p.  25. 


58  COMPILATION 

After  the  declaration  of  the  constitutional  regime  in  Turkey,  in  1908, 
by  the  members  of  the  Committee  of  Union  and  Progress,  this  prisoner  of 
forty  years  traveled  and  journeyed  for  three  years  —  from  1910  to  1913  — 
throughout  the  countries  of  Europe  and  the  vast  continent  of  America. 
Notwithstanding  advancement  in  age,  with  its  natural  consequences,  with 
a  resounding  voice  I  delivered  detailed  addresses  before  large  conventions 
and  in  historical  churches.  I  enumerated  all  those  principles  contained 
in  the  tablets  and  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah  concerning  war  and  peace. 

About  fifty  years  ago  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  proclaimed  certain  teach- 
ings and  raised  the  song  of  universal  peace.  In  numerous  tablets  and 
sundry  epistles  He  foretold,  in  the  most  explicit  language,  the  present 
cataclysmal  events.  He  stated  that  the  world  of  humanity  was  facing  the 
most  portentous  danger  and  asserted  categorically  that  the  realization  of 
universal  war  was  unfortunately  inevitable  and  unavoidable.  For  these 
combustible  materials  which  were  stored  in  the  infernal  arsenals  of  Europe 
would  explode  by  contact  with  one  spark.  Among  other  things,  "the  Bal- 
kans will  become  a  volcano  and  the  map  of  Europe  will  be  changed."  For 
these  and  similar  reasons  He  (Baha'o'llah)  invited  the  world  of  humanity 
to  universal  peace.  He  wrote  a  number  of  epistles  to  the  kings  and  rulers 
and  in  those  epistles  He  explained  the  destructive  evils  of  war  and  dwelt 
on  the  solid  benefits  and  nobler  influences  of  universal  peace.  War  saps 
the  foundation  of  humanity.  Killing  is  an  unpardonable  crime  against  God, 
for  man  is  an  edifice  built  by  the  hand  of  the  Almighty.  Peace  is  life 
incarnate;  war  is  death  personified.  Peace  is  the  divine  spirit;  war  is 
Satanic  suggestion.  Peace  is  the  light  of  the  world;  war  is  Stygian  dark- 
ness and  Cimmerian  gloom.  All  the  great  prophets,  ancient  philosophers 
and  heavenly  books  have  been  the  harbingers  of  peace  and  monitors  against 
war  and  discord.  This  is  the  divine  foundation,  this  is  the  celestial  out- 
pouring, this  is  the  basis  of  all  the  religions  of  God. 

In  short,  before  all  the  meetings  in  the  West  I  cried  out:  "O  ye  thinkers 
of  the  world !  O  ye  philosophers  of  the  Occident !  O  ye  scholars  and  sages 
of  the  earth !  A  threatening  black  cloud  o'ershadows,  which  ere  long  shall 
envelop  the  horizon  of  humanity.  An  impetuous  tempest  is  ahead,  which 
shall  shatter  to  splinters  the  ships  of  the  lives  of  mankind,  and  a  turbulent, 
furious  torrent  shall  soon  drown  the  countries  and  nations  of  Europe. 

Awaken  ye !  Awaken  ye !  Become  ye  mindful !  Become  ye  mindful ! 
Thus  in  the  spirit  of  cooperation  we  may  all  arise  with  the  utmost  mag- 
nanimity and  through  the  favor  and  providence  of  God  hold  aloft  the  flag 
of  the  oneness  of  humanity,  promote  the  essentials  of  universal  peace  and 
deliver  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  from  this  most  great  danger! 

While  traveling  in  Europe  and  America  I  met  altruistic  and  sanctified 
souls  who  were  my  confidants  and  associates  concerning  the  question  of 
universal  peace  and  who  agreed  with  me  and  joined  their  voices  with  mine 
regarding  the  principle  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  But  alas, 
they  were  very  few!  The  leaders  of  public  opinion  and  the  great  states- 
men believed  that  the  massing  of  huge  armies  and  the  annual  increase  of 
military  forces  insured  peace  and  friendship  among  nations.  At  that  time 
I  explained  that  this  theory  was  based  on  a  false  conception;  for  it  is  an 
inevitable  certainty  that  these  serried  ranks  and  disciplined  armies  will  be 


ABDUL  BAHA  59 

rushed  one  day  into  the  heat  of  the  battlefield  and  these  inflammable  ma- 
terials will  unqestionably  be  exploded  and  the  explosion  will  be  through  one 
tiny  spark;  then  a  world  conflagration  will  be  witnessed,  the  lurid  flames 
of  which  shall  redden  all  the  horizons.  Because  the  sphere  of  their  thoughts 
was  contracted  and  their  intellectual  eyes  blind  they  could  not  acknowl- 
edge the  above  explanation. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  Balkan  Confederation  a  number  of  important 
personages  inquired  of  me  whether  this  Balkan  war  was  the  expected  uni- 
versal war,  but  it  was  answered,  "It  will  terminate  in  universal  war." 

In  brief,  the  point  to  make  clear  is  this:  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah 
nearly  fifty  years  ago  warned  the  nations  against  the  occurrence  of  this 
most  great  danger.  Although  the  evils  of  war  were  evident  and  manifest 
to  the  sages  and  scholars  they  are  now  made  clear  and  plain  to  all  the  peo- 
ple. No  sane  person  can  at  this  time  deny  the  fact  that  war  is  the  most 
dreadful  calamity  in  the  world  of  humanity,  that  war  destroys  the  divine 
foundation,  that  war  is  the  cause  of  eternal  death,  that  war  is  conducive  to 
the  destruction  of  populous,  progressive  cities,  that  war  is  the  world- 
consuming  fire  and  that  war  is  the  most  ruinous  catastrophe  and  the  most 
deplorable  adversity. 

Cries  and  lamentations  are  raised  from  every  region  to  the  supreme 
apex.  The  moanings  and  shriekings  have  thrown  a  mighty  reverberation 
through  the  columns  of  the  world.  The  civilized  countries  are  being  over- 
thrown. Eyes  are  shedding  tears  at  the  weeping  of  the  fatherless  children. 
The  hearts  are  burning  and  being  consumed  by  uncontrollable  sobbings 
and  piercing  wails  of  helpless,  wandering  women.  The  spirits  of  hopeless 
mothers  are  torn  by  rayless  grief  and  endless  sorrows  and  the  nerve-racking 
sighs  and  just  complaints  of  fathers  ascend  to  the  throne  of  the  Almighty. 

Ah  me!  The  world  of  creation  is  totally  deprived  of  its  normal  rest. 
The  clash  of  arms  and  the  sound  of  murderous  guns  and  cannon  are  heard 
as  the  roaring  of  thunder  across  the  heavenly  tract  and  the  explosive  ma- 
terials have  changed  the  battlefields  into  yawning  graveyards,  burying  for 
eternity  the  corpses  of  thousands  upon  thousands  of  youths  —  the  flowers 
of  many  countries  who  would  have  been  evolving  factors  in  the  civiliza- 
tion of  the  future. 

The  results  of  this  crime  committed  against  humanity  are  worse  than 
whatever  I  may  say  and  can  never  be  adequately  described  by  pen  or  by 
tongue. 

O  ye  governments  of  the  world!  Be  ye  pitiful  toward  mankind!  O 
ye  nations  of  the  earth,  behold  ye  the  battlefields  of  slaughter  and  carnage. 
O  ye  sages  of  humanity,  investigate  sympathetically  the  conditions  of  the 
oppressed.  O  ye  philosophers  of  the  West,  study  profoundly  the  causes 
that  led  to  this  gigantic,  unparalleled  struggle.  O  ye  wise  leaders  of  the 
globe,  reflect  deeply  so  that  ye  may  find  an  antidote  for  the  suppression  of 
this  chronic,  devastating  disease.  O  ye  individuals  of  humanity,  find  ye 
means  for  the  stoppage  of  this  wholesale  murder  and  bloodshed. 

Now  is  the  appointed  time!  Now  is  the  opportune  time!  Arise  ye, 
shew^  ye  an  effort,  put  ye  forward  an  extraordinary  power  and  unfurl  ye  the 
flag  of  universal  peace  and  dam  the  irresistible  fury  of  this  raging  torrent 
which  is  wreaking  havoc  and  ruin  everywhere! 


60  COMPILATION 

Although  captive  in  the  prison  of  despotism  for  forty  years,  yet  I  have 
never  been  so  sad  and  stricken  with  regret  and  grief  as  in  these  days.  My 
spirit  is  aflame  and  burning.  My  heart  is  broken,  mournful,  heavy  and 
despondent.  My  eyes  are  weeping  and  my  soul  is  on  fire.  Oh!  I  am  so 
bowed  down  and  sorrowful. 

O  people !  Weep  and  cry,  lament  and  bemoan  your  fate.  Then  hasten 
ye,  hasten  ye,  perchance  ye  may  be  able  to  extinguish  with  the  water  of 
the  new-born  ideals  of  spiritual  democracy  and  celestial  freedom  this  many- 
flamed,  world-consuming  fire  and  through  your  heaven-inspired  resolution 
you  may  usher  in  the  golden  era  of  international  solidarity  and  world 
confederation. 

O  kind  God!  Hearken  to  the  cry  of  these  helpless  nations!  O  pure 
Lord,  show  Thy  pity  to  these  orphaned  children!  O  incomparable  Al- 
mighty, stop  this  destructive  torrent!  O  creator  of  the  world  and  the 
inhabitants  thereof,  cause  the  extinction  of  this  burning  fire!  O  Ustener 
to  our  cries,  come  to  the  rescue  of  the  orphans !  O  ideal  comforter,  console 
the  mothers  whose  hearts  are  torn  and  whose  souls  are  filled  with  the  blood 
of  irremediable  loss!  O  clement  and  merciful,  grant  the  blessing  of  Thy 
grace  to  the  weeping  eyes  and  burning  hearts  of  the  fathers  Restore  calm- 
ness to  this  surging  tempest  and  change  this  world-encircling  war  into 
peace  and  conciUation. 

Verily,  Thou  art  the  omnipotent  and  the  powerful  and,  verily.  Thou 
art  the  seer  and  the  hearer!        Abdul  Baha.     Star,  5,  p.  243  (1914). 

These  dreadful  events  are  as  warnings  on  the  part  of  God,  so  that  they 
may  quicken  the  people  and  make  them  mindful.  But  the  majority  of 
mankind  are  like  unto  children,  who  are  being  rocked  in  a  cradle.  The 
harder  they  are  rocked  to  be  awakened,  the  deeper  they  fall  into  sleep. 
East  and  West  the  affairs  of  the  people  are  in  utter  confusion  and  the 
markets  of  the  world  are  afflicted  with  lethargy.  The  wheels  of  inter- 
national transactions  are  at  a  standstill.  We  shall  wait  and  see  what  God 
has  decreed  to  be  the  outcome  of  this  universal  upheaval. 

As  for  you,  pray  meanwhile  in  behaff  of  the  people,  so  that  the  forces 
of  peace  may  gain  ascendancy  over  the  powers  of  war.  They  are  now  in 
great  distress.  From  all  sides  they  are  surrounded  with  difficulties  and 
hardships.  Perchance,  God  willing,  they  may  become  mindful  and  aware, 
be  released  from  negligence,  abandon  tyranny  and  oppression,  treat  each 
other  with  justice  and  fairness  and  give  up  the  dictates  of  selfishness  and 
personal  interests.  Our  hope  is  that  they  may  be  freed  from  the  cruelty 
of  passion  and  egoism;  that  these  wicked  powers  may  not  overmaster 
them;  that  they  may  turn  their  faces  toward  God;  that  the  hearts  may 
become  illumined;  that  the  sphere  of  the  minds  be  extended;  that  avarice 
and  covetousness  may  not  remain;  that  trust  in  God  and  self-reliance  may 
take  possession  of  their  beings;  that  they  may  be  satisfied  with  their  own 
rights  and  that  they  may  not  rise  in  aggression  to  trample  under  their  feet 
the  rights  of  others.  May  all  the  causes  of  war  and  conflict,  hardships 
and  sufferings,  be  entirely  removed!  *  *  *  In  short,  pray  and  supplicate 
at  the  threshold  of  the  Almighty  in  behalf  of  the  heedless  souls;  for  they 
know  not  what  they  are  doing!     May  they  become  emancipated  from  the 


ABDUL  BAHA  '  61 

defects  of  their  own  nature!  May  they  be  imbued  with  the  quaUties  of 
the  heavenly  angels!  May  they  give  up  ferocity  and  be  characterized 
with  the  attributes  of  the  Merciful!  May  they  ever  live  in  accord  with 
the  good-pleasure  of  the  Lord  of  mankind!  May  they  become  the  guar- 
dians of  the  rights  of  the  oppressed  and  do\\Ti-trodden !  May  they  be  the 
real  servants  in  the  palace  of  universal  brotherhood! 

Abdul  Baha.     Extracts  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Aug.  8,  1914. 

Prayer 

O  God,  dispel  all  those  elements  which  are  the  cause  of  discord  and 
prepare  for  us  all  those  things  which  are  the  cause  of  unity  and  accord. 

O  God!  Descend  upon  us  heavenly  fragrance  and  change  this  gather- 
ing into  a  gathering  of  heaven. 

Grant  to  us  every  benefit  and  every  food.  Prepare  for  us  the  food  of 
love.  Give  to  us  the  food  of  knowledge.  Bestow  upon  us  the  food  of 
heavenly  illumination.  Abdul  Baha. 

DEFENSE  OF  COMMUNITIES 

*  *  *  For  example,  a  foolish  man,  a  Mohammedan,  said  to  a  clergyman 
that  the  true  proof  of  greatness  is  bravery  and  the  shedding  of  blood,  and 
that  in  one  day  on  the  field  of  battle  a  follower  of  Mohammed  had  cut 
off  the  heads  of  one  hundred  men.  This  misled  the  clergyman  to  infer 
that  murder  is  considered  an  accessory  to  the  religion  of  Mohammed. 
The  military  expeditions  of  Mohammed,  on  the  contrary,  were  always  de- 
fensive actions :  a  proof  of  this  is  that  during  thirteen  years,  in  Mecca,  He 
and  His  disciples  endured  the  most  \'iolent  persecutions.  At  this  period 
they  were  the  target  for  the  arrows  of  hatred :  some  of  His  companions  were 
killed  and  their  property  confiscated.  *  *  * 

These  Arab  tribes  were  in  the  lowest  depths  of  savagery  and  barbarism ; 
and  in  comparison  with  them  the  savages  and  wild  Indians  of  America 
were  as  advanced  as  Plato.  *  *  * 

Mohammed  was  reared  among  these  tribes,  and  after  enduring  thirteen 
years  of  persecution  from  them.  He  fled  (to  Medina).  But  this  people  did 
not  cease  to  oppress;  they  united  to  exterminate  Him  and  all  His  followers. 
It  was  under  such  circumstances  that  Mohammed  was  forced  to  take  up 
arms.  This  is  the  truth :  personally,  we  are  not  bigoted,  and  do  not  wish 
to  defend  Him,  but  we  are  just,  and  we  say  what  is  just.  Look  at  it  with 
justice.  If  Christ  Himself  had  been  placed  in  such  circumstances  among 
such  tyrannical  and  barbarous  tribes,  and  if  for  thirteen  years  He  with  His 
disciples  had  endured  all  these  trials  with  patience,  culminating  in  flight 
from  His  native  land  —  if  in  spite  of  this  these  lawless  tribes  continued  to 
pursue  Him,  to  slaughter  the  men,  to  pillage  their  property,  and  to  capture 
their  women  and  children,  what  would  have  been  Christ's  conduct  with 
regard  to  them?  If  this  oppression  had  fallen  only  upon  Himself  He  would 
have  forgiven  them,  and  such  an  act  of  forgiveness  would  have  been  most 
praiseworthy;  but  if  He  had  seen  that  these  cruel  and  bloodthirsty  mur- 
derers wished  to  kill,  to  pillage,  and  to  injure  all  these  oppressed  ones,  and 
to  take  captive  the  women  and  children,  it  is  certain  that  He  would  have 


62  COMPILATION 

protected  them,  and  would  have  resisted  the  tyrants.  *  *  *  To  free  these 
tribes  from  their  bloodthirstiness  was  the  greatest  kindness,  and  to  coerce 
and  restrain  them  was  a  true  mercy.  They  were  hke  a  man  holding  in 
his  hand  a  cup  of  poison,  which,  when  about  to  drink,  a  friend  breaks,  and 
thus  saves  him. 

If  Christ  had  been  placed  in  similar  circumstances,  it  is  certain  that 
with  a  conquering  power  He  would  have  delivered  the  men,  women,  and 
children  from  the  claws  of  these  bloodthirsty  wolves.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Some  Answered  Questions,  pp.  22-25. 

As  forgiveness  is  one  of  the  attributes  of  the  merciful  One,  so  also  justice 
is  one  of  the  attributes  of  the  Lord.  The  tent  of  existence  is  upheld  upon 
the  pillar  of  justice  and  not  upon  forgiveness.  The  continuance  of  man- 
kind depends  upon  justice  and  not  upon  forgiveness.  So  if,  at  present,  the 
law  of  pardon  were  practiced  in  all  countries,  in  a  short  time  the  world 
would  be  disordered  and  the  foundations  of  human  life  would  crumble. 
For  example,  if  the  governments  of  Europe  had  not  withstood  the  notorious 
Attila,  he  would  not  have  left  a  single  living  man. 

Some  people  are  like  bloodthirsty  wolves:  if  they  see  no  punishment 
forthcoming  they  will  kill  men  merely  for  pleasure  and  diversion. 

*  *  *  The  constitution  of  the  communities  depends  upon  justice,  not 
upon  forgiveness.  Then  what  Christ  meant  by  forgiveness  and  pardon 
is  not  that  when  nations  attack  you,  burn  your  homes,  plunder  your  goods, 
assault  your  wives,  children,  and  relatives,  and  violate  your  honor,  you 
should  be  submissive  in  the  presence  of  these  tyrannical  foes  and  allow 
them  to  perform  all  their  cruelties  and  oppressions.  No,  the  words  of 
Christ  refer  to  the  conduct  of  two  individuals  towards  each  other:  if  one 
person  assaults  another,  the  injured  one  should  forgive  him,  but  the  com- 
munities must  protect  the  rights  of  man.  So,  if  some  one  assaults,  injures, 
oppresses  and  wounds  me  I  will  offer  no  resistance  and  I  will  forgive  him. 
But  if  a  person  wishes  to  assault  Sayyid  Manshadi,*  certainly  I  will  prevent 
him.  Although  for  the  malefactor  non-interference  is  apparently  a  kind- 
ness it  would  be  an  oppression  to  Manshadi.  If  at  this  moment  a  wild 
Arab  were  to  enter  this  place  with  a  drawn  sword  wishing  to  assault,  wound 
and  kill  you,  most  assuredly  I  would  prevent  him.  If  I  abandoned  you  to 
the  Arab,  that  would  not  be  justice  but  injustice.  But  if  he  injure  me 
personally  I  would  forgive  him. 

One  thing  remains  to  be  said:  it  is  that  the  communities  are  day  and 
night  occupied  in  making  penal  laws  and  in  preparing  and  organizing  in- 
struments and  means  of  punishment.  They  build  prisons,  make  chains 
and  fetters,  arrange  places  of  exile  and  banishment  and  different  kinds  of 
hardships  and  tortures,  and  think  by  these  means  to  discipline  criminals; 
whereas,  in  reality,  they  are  causing  destruction  of  morals  and  perversion 
of  characters.  The  community,  on  the  contrary,  ought  day  and  night  to 
strive  and  endeavor  with  the  utmost  zeal  and  effort  to  accomplish  the  edu- 
cation of  men,  to  cause  them  day  by  day  to  progress  and  to  increase  in 
science  and  knowledge,  to  acquire  virtues,  to  gain  good  morals  and  to  avoid 
vices,  so  that  crimes  may  not  occur.     At  the  present  time  the  contrary 

*  Manshadi  was  a  Bahai  sitting  with  Abdul  Baha  and  the  writer,  at  table. 


ABDUL  BAHA  63 

prevails;  the  community  is  always  thinking  of  enforcing  the  penal  laws 
and  of  preparing  means  of  })unishment,  instruments  of  death  and  chastise- 
ment, places  for  imprisonment  and  banishment;  and  they  expect  crimes  to 
be  committed.     This  has  a  demoralizing  effect. 

But  if  the  community  would  endeavor  to  educate  the  masses,  day  by 
day  knowledge  and  sciences  would  increase,  the  understanding  would  be 
broadened,  and  sensibilities  developed,  customs  would  become  good  and 
morals  normal;  in  one  word,  in  all  these  classes  of  perfections  there  would 
be  progress  and  there  would  be  fewer  crimes. 

It  has  been  ascertained  that  among  civilized  peoples  crime  is  less  fre- 
quent than  among  uncivilized;  that  is  to  say,  among  those  who  have  ac- 
quired the  true  civilization,  which  is  divine  civilization  —  the  civilization 
of  those  who  unite  all  the  spiritual  and  material  perfections.  As  ignorance 
is  the  cause  of  crimes,  the  more  knowledge  and  science  increases,  the  more 
crimes  will  diminish.  Consider  how  often  murder  occurs  among  the  bar- 
barians of  Africa;  they  even  kill  one  another  in  order  to  eat  each  other's 
flesh  and  blood.  Why  do  not  such  savageries  occur  in  Switzerland.'^  The 
reason  is  evident:   it  is  because  education  and  virtues  prevent  them. 

Therefore,  the  communities  must  think  of  preventing  crimes,  rather 
than  of  rigorously  punishing  them. 

Abdul  Baha.     Some  Answered  Questions,  pp.  307-312. 

*  *  *  Desire,  which  is  to  ask  for  something  more,  is  a  praiseworthy 
quality  provided  that  it  is  used  suitably.  So  if  a  man  has  the  desire  to 
acquire  science  and  knowledge  or  to  become  compassionate,  generous,  and 
just,  it  is  most  praiseworthy. 

If  he  exercises  his  anger  and  wrath  against  the  bloodthirsty  tyrants 
who  are  like  ferocious  beasts,  it  is  very  praiseworthy;  but  if  he  does  not 
use  these  qualities  in  a  right  way,  they  are  blameworthy. 

Abdul  Baha.     Some  Answered  Questions,  p.  250. 

The  supreme  concern  of  any  government  must  be  the  establishment  of 
equal  justice  and  equal  opportunity  amongst  its  citizens.  Justice  is  the 
light  of  a  nation,  the  lamp  burning  amongst  the  people.  Justice  is  the  sun 
through  the  light  of  which  progress  is  secured  and  peace  obtained.  Through 
justice  commerce  thrives,  industries  are  developed,  morals  are  refined, 
honesty  is  established,  international  comity  fostered  and  education  popu- 
larized. That  nation  is  honored  and  respected  above  all  others  which 
practices  strict  justice  and  mercy  in  all  its  dealings  wuth  the  outside  world. 
By  justice  a  nation  is  exalted,  attaining  to  the  pinnacle  of  eternal  glory. 
The  path  of  justice  is  the  golden  path  of  universal  salvation. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  27,  1914. 

The  laws  of  God  are  not  impositions  of  will,  or  of  power,  or  pleasure, 
but  the  resolutions  of  truth,  reason  and  justice. 

All  men  are  equal  before  the  law,  which  must  reign  absolutely. 

The  object  of  punishment  is  not  vengeance,  but  the  prevention  of  crime. 

Kings  must  rule  with  wisdom  and  justice;  prince,  peer  and  peasant 
alike  have  equal  rights  to  just  treatment,  there  must  be  no  favor  shown  to 
individuals.  *  *  * 


64  COMPILATION 

If  a  person  commit  a  crime  against  you,  you  have  not  the  right  to  for- 
give him;  but  the  law  must  punish  him  in  order  to  prevent  a  repetition  of 
that  same  crime  by  others,  as  the  pain  of  the  individual  is  unimportant 
beside  the  general  welfare  of  the  people. 

When  perfect  justice  reigns  in  every  country  of  the  eastern  and  western 
world,  then  v/ill  the  earth  become  a  place  of  beauty.  The  dignity  and 
equality  of  every  servant  of  God  w^ill  be  acknowledged;  the  ideal  of  the 
solidaritj'  of  the  human  race,  the  true  brotherhood  of  man,  will  be  realized; 
and  the  glorious  light  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  will  illumine  the  souls  of  all  men. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  143. 

*  *  *  If  a  man  be  just,  kind,  humble  and  merciful,  and  his  qualities  are 
acquired  through  the  will  power,  this  is  godlike.  A  child  cannot  kill  a  man, 
but  a  Bonaparte  can  abstain  from  war,  from  shedding  blood,  from  devas- 
tating countries.  A  dumb  person  will  not  speak  ill  of  any  one;  a  paralyzed 
hand  cannot  strike,  but  a  strong  hand  can  refrain  from  striking.  Justice, 
love  and  kindness  must  be  instruments  of  strength,  not  of  weakness. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  69. 


OBEDIENCE  TO  GOVERNMENT  —  LAW  —  POLITICS 

In  life  man  should  hope  for  reward  and  fear  punishment.  It  is  neces- 
sary that  this  hope  and  this  fear  should  be  considered  by  those  in  authority 
and  those  who  have  important  posts  in  the  government.  If  the  officials 
are  not  guided  by  these  sentiments,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  they  will  not  act 
as  they  ought  to. 

This  hope  and  fear  are  like  pillars  that  support  the  altitude  of  the  world. 
There  is  no  better  prevention  of  tyranny  than  these  two  sentiments,  hope 
and  fear.  In  reactionary  governments  where  fear  does  not  exist,  the  ad- 
ministration is  badly  managed. 

There  are  both  political  and  spiritual  consequences.  A  man  who  takes 
into  consideration  spiritual  consequences  is  a  perfect  government  official. 
If  a  man  is  guided  by  religious  feeling  and  by  the  respect  for  the  law,  he 
will  act  in  a  perfect  manner. 

A  minister  of  government  if  he  is  guided  by  divine  faith,  will  always  act 
for  the  good,  above  all  if  he  knows  that  the  consequences  of  his  act  are 
without  limit.  Such  a  man  will  detach  himself  from  tyranny  and  will  work 
for  justice.  If  men  believe  that  they  will  reap  the  consequences  of  their 
actions  in  the  next  world,  they  would  never  act  contrary  to  justice.  You 
see  then  how  important  it  is  that  a  minister  of  state  should  be  religious. 

At  the  same  time  religious  interests  should  not  be  brought  into  politics. 
Religions  should  treat  of  morals;  politics  of  material  circumstances.  Those 
in  authority  should  occupy  themselves  with  the  lives  of  men,  they  should 
teach  ideas  of  service,  good  morals  and  develop  the  habit  of  justice.  "Render 
unto  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that 
are  God's."  *  *  * 

Friends  of  God,  set  forth  the  example  of  justice.  Justice  is  a  imiversal 
quality.  From  the  highest  to  the  lowest  justice  should  be  sacred:  from 
die  sovereign  to  the  merchant,  the  minister  of  state  to  the  artisan,  all  must 


ABDUL  BAHA  65 

be  just.  Be  just,  respect  the  rights  of  each  man  —  "  do  unto  others  as 
you  would  that  they  should  do  unto  you."  A  workman  that  commits  an 
injustice  is  as  much  to  blame  as  a  tyrant.  Each  one  of  us  can  choose  be- 
tween justice  and  injustice.  *  *  *      Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  2,  p.  7. 

Some  one  else  asked  regarding  election  and  whether  the  country  should 
be  ruled  by  the  people  or  by  the  wise  ones  among  the  people. 

Abdul  Baha  said: 

It  is  evident  that  it  is  better  that  the  people  elect  the  noble  ones  among 
them  and  these  elect  the  president  of  the  republic.  That  is  to  say,  the 
president  should  be  the  elect  of  the  elect,  because  the  public  in  general  are 
not  as  well  informed  as  they  should  be  in  regard  to  political  affairs.  The 
ignorant  people  follow  fame.  In  reality,  whatever  affair  the  wise  people 
desire  to  execute  the  ignorant  people  agree  to.  The  affairs  should  be  in  the 
hands  of  the  wise  and  not  of  the  ignorant.  But  the  wise  people  must  be 
in  the  utmost  faithfulness  and  sincerity  of  purpose;  they  must  serve  all  the 
people  and  protect  and  safeguard  their  welfare.  Consider,  if  you  put  the 
general  affairs  into  the  hands  of  the  ignorant  people  they  will  be  ruined. 
If  you  put  all  the  work  into  the  hands  of  the  laborer  the  house  will  not  be 
built.  A  wise  architect  is  needed.  The  work  is  done  by  the  architect,  but 
the  laborer  suffers  the  hardships.  The  general  draws  the  map  of  war,  but 
the  mass  of  people  do  the  fighting.  We  cannot  give  them  the  map.  Is 
it  possible  to  leave  a  regiment  in  the  hands  of  a  private?  But  if  we  want  to 
be  victorious  and  conquerors,  a  wise,  experienced  person  must  be  made 
commander.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p.  82. 

Some  one  asked  in  regard  to  capital  and  labor. 

Abdul  Baha  said: 

The  solution  of  this  problem  is  one  of  the  fundamental  principles  of  His 
Holiness  Baha'o'llah,  but  it  must  be  solved  with  justice  and  not  with  force. 
If  this  problem  is  not  solved  lovingly  it  will  result  in  war.  Perfect  com- 
munism and  equality  are  an  impossibility,  because  they  would  upset  the 
affairs  and  the  order  of  the  world.  But  there  is  a  fair  method  which  will 
not  leave  the  poor  in  such  need,  nor  the  rich  in  such  wealth.  The  poor  and 
the  rich  according  to  their  degrees  can  live  happily,  with  ease  and  tran- 
quility. *  *  * 

But  here  is  a  real  solution.  The  rich  should  be  merciful  to  the  poor, 
but  with  their  free-will,  not  with  force.  Should  it  be  with  force  it  would  be 
useless.  It  should  be  according  to  law  and  not  by  violence,  so  that  through 
a  general  law  every  one  might  know  his  duty. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p,  82. 

The  question  of  socialization  is  very  important.  It  will  not  be  solved 
by  strikes  for  wages. 

All  the  governments  of  the  world  must  be  united  and  organize  an  assem- 
bly, the  members  of  which  should  be  elected  from  the  parliaments  and  the 
nobles  of  the  nations.  These  must  plan,  with  utmost  wisdom  and  power, 
so  that  neither  the  capitalists  suffer  from  enormous  loss,  nor  the  laborers 
become  needy.     In  the  utmost  moderation  they  should  make  the  law, 


66  COMPILATION 

then  announce  to  the  public  that  the  rights  of  the  working  people  are  to 
be  strongly  preserved.  Also  the  rights  of  the  capitalists  are  to  be  protected. 
When  such  a  general  plan  is  adopted  by  the  will  of  both  sides,  should  a 
strike  occur,  all  the  governments  of  the  world  collectively  should  resist  it. 
Otherwise  the  work  will  lead  to  much  destruction,  especially  in  Europe. 
Terrible  things  will  take  place.  One  of  the  several  causes  of  a  universal 
European  war  will  be  this  question.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  It  is  impossible  for  a  country  to  live  easily  without  laws.  To  solve 
this  problem  strong  laws  must  be  made,  so  that  all  the  governments  of  the 
world  be  protectors  thereof. 

The  essence  of  this  matter  is  that  strikes  are  conducive  to  destruction, 
but  laws  are  the  cause  of  life.  Laws  must  be  framed.  Demands  should 
be  according  to  the  laws  and  not  with  strikes,  force  and  harshness.  Tonight 
you  have  spoken  of  politics,  but  we  are  not  accustomed  to  talk  of  politics. 
We  speak  about  the  world  of  spirit.  We  speak  of  the  wealth  of  the  King- 
dom, not  of  the  wealth  of  the  nether  world.  Politics  are  obligatory  matters, 
but  eternal  happiness  cannot  be  obtained  by  force.  Happiness  and  force 
are  impossible.  What  is  meant  by  happiness?  It  means  that  the  people 
should  live  according  to  the  most  perfect  virtues  of  the  world  of  humanity 
and  the  power  of  the  divine  Kingdom. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  No.  9,  p.  84. 

Question :  Is  it  not  a  fact  that  universal  peace  cannot  be  accomplished 
until  there  is  political  democracy  in  all  the  countries  of  the  world? 

Abdul  Baha:  It  is  very  evident  that  in  the  future  of  all  the  countries 
of  the  world,  be  they  constitutional  in  government  or  republican  or  demo- 
cratic in  form,  there  shall  be  no  centralization.  The  United  States  may 
be  held  up  as  the  example  of  government  in  time  to  come,  that  is  to  say, 
each  province  will  be  independent  in  itself,  but  there  will  be  a  union  con- 
cerning the  interests  of  the  various  independent  states.  It  may  not  be  a 
republican,  or  a  democratic  form.  To  cast  aside  centralization  which 
promotes  despotism  is  the  exigency  of  the  time.  This  will  be  productive 
of  international  peace. 

Another  factor  of  equal  importance  in  bringing  about  international 
peace  is  woman's  suffrage.  That  is  to  say,  when  perfect  equality  shall  be 
established  between  men  and  women,  peace  may  be  realized  for  the  simple 
reason  that  womankind  in  general  will  never  favor  warfare.  Women  evi- 
dently will  not  be  willing  to  allow  those  whom  they  have  so  tenderly  cared 
for  go  to  the  battlefield.  When  they  shall  have  a  vote  they  will  oppose 
any  cause  of  warfare. 

Another  factor  which  will  bring  about  universal  peace  is  the  linking 
together  of  the  Orient  and  the  Occident. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  10,  p.  27. 

Among  their  fictitious  reports  was  this:  That  this  oppressed  one  has 
hoisted  the  banner  of  independence;  upon  that  banner  he  has  inscribed 
"Ya  Baha  El-Abha!"  and  circulated  it  in  all  this  country  (Syria),  in  the 
cities  and  hamlets,  even  among  the  tribes  in  the  desert,  and  that  he  has 
summoned  them  all  to  assemble  under  the  banner. 


ABDUL  BAHA  67 

O  God,  verily  I  seek  shelter  in  Thee  from  this  action  which  is  contrary 
to  the  precepts  of  Baha,  nay,  it  is  a  great  wrong,  committed  only  by  every 
persistent  sinner.  For  Thou  hast  enjoined  upon  us  obedience  to  kings  and 
rulers!  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2.  p.  376. 

As  regards  what  you  wrote  touching  the  intervention  in  the  affairs  of 
Persia  of  the  neighboring  states,  time  upon  time  it  hath  been  declared  by 
the  pen  of  the  Covenant  that  the  Government  (Dawlat)  and  the  people 
(Millat)  should  mix  together  like  honey  and  milk,  else  the  field  will  be  open 
for  maneuvers  of  others,  and  both  parties  will  regret  it.  But  alas!  the 
two  parties  would  not  give  ear,  but  have  brought  matters  to  this  perilous 
pitch. 
Abdul  Baha.  Tablet  Addressed  to  Muhammed  'Ali  Khan  of  Teheran,  1896. 

As  to  the  matter  of  our  ill-wishers,  the  Yahya'is  (the  Ezalis),  who  accuse 
the  friends  (the  Bahais)  of  sympathy  with  the  Court  (or  Government, 
Dawlat),  it  is  certain  that  the  truth  of  the  case  will  become  plain  and  evi- 
dent, and  you  should  peruse  the  letters  sent  by  this  post  to  Mirza  'Abdu'- 
llah  Sahib-Furush.  We  have  no  connection  with  any  party.  We  are 
neither  partisans  of  the  victorious  Government  nor  do  we  share  the  opin- 
ions of  the  glorious  people.  We  stand  aside  from  all  strifes,  wish  well  to 
all,  and  offer  our  prayers  and  supplications  at  the  throne  of  God  that  He 
will  reconcile  these  two  honorable  elements  with  one  another,  so  that  they 
may  become  one  element,  and  may  work  together  for  the  glory  and  ad- 
vancement of  both  Government  and  people.  Praise  be  to  God,  by  God's 
grace  we  strive  to  be  at  peace  and  on  friendly  terms  with  all  parties  in  the 
world;  we  show  friendship  and  affection  (to  all),  seek  after  righteousness, 
and  spend  ourselves  in  this  path. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  "Ibn  Abhar,"  Teheran,  1896. 

You  wrote  that  it  had  been  stated  in  the  Hablu'l-matin  published  at 
Rasht  that  the  Bahais  were  partisans  of  the  autocrats,  and  at  Zanjan  had 
collected  aid  for  the  Royalist  cause.  One  of  the  friends  must  write  to  some 
other  newspaper,  or  it  must  be  spread  abroad  amongst  the  people,  that 
this  is  a  calumny  concerning  the  Bahais  (emanating)  from  the  Yahya'is, 
(Azalis)  Babis,  for  these  men  are  the  enemies  of  the  Bahais. 

The  aim  of  the  Bahais  is  the  reformation  of  the  world,  so  that  amongst 
all  these  nations  and  governments  a  reconciliation  may  be  effected  and 
strife  and  war  may  be  abolished.  Therefore,  they  hasten  onward  with 
heart  and  soul  and  spend  themselves  that  perchance  the  Court  and  the 
nation,  nay,  (all)  parties  and  peoples,  may  be  united  to  one  another  and 
that  peace  and  reconciliation  may  enter  in.  Hence  they  have  no  part  in 
such  quarrels.  And  a  clear  proof  and  conclusive  argument  as  to  the  falsity 
of  the  accuser,  which  leaves  no  opening  for  doubt,  is  the  decree  of  the 
mujtahid  Mulla  Hasan  of  Nur  and  Sayyid  Ali  Akbar,  which  were  posted 
on  the  walls  in  all  the  streets  and  bazars  of  Teheran.  But  the  Yahya'is, 
(Azali)  Babis,  who  are  the  enemies  of  the  Bahais,  and  who  keep  themselves 
in  concealment,  tell  the  Nationalists  that  the  Bahais  are  the  partisans  of 
the  Court,  while  telling  the  Royalists  that  they  are  ready  to  lay  down  their 


68  COMPILATION 

lives  for  the  nation,  in  order  to  stir  up  both  sides  against  the  Bahais  and 
make  them  their  enemies,  that  perchance  they  may  seduce  certain  souls  on 
either  side.  This  is  the  truth  of  the  matter;  therefore  it  behooves  that 
some  just  men  should  investigate  the  question  of  the  (alleged)  help  (given 
to  the  Royalists)  at  Zanjan.  If  such  a  thing  hath  been  done  by  the  Bahais 
we  will  believe  and  admit  (the  charge) .  Glory  be  to  God !  This  is  an  awful 
calumny!  From  the  very  beginning  of  the  revolution  it  was  constantly 
enjoined  that  the  friends  of  God  should  stand  aside  from  this  strife  and 
struggle  and  war  and  contest,  and  should  seek  to  reconcile  the  Court  and 
the  nation,  and  should  spend  themselves  so  that  Court  and  nation  should 
mix  with  one  another  like  milk  and  honey:  for  safety  and  success  are  un- 
attainable and  impossible  without  (such)  reconciliation.  Now  when  they 
who  wish  us  ill  utter  calumnies,  the  friends  are  silent,  wherefore  these  our 
foes  each  day  boldly  enunciate  some  (new)  slander. 

Upon  thee  be  the  most  splendid  splendor  (el-Baha-'u'l-Abha). 
Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  Hadji  Mirza  Abdu'Uah  Sahib-Farush,  1896. 

To  be  brief,  the  point  is  this :  Through  the  interference  of  ignorant  and 
fanatical  leaders,  the  country  of  Persia  is  in  a  state  of  decadence,  although 
the  intention  of  his  imperial  Majesty  the  crowned  Shah  is  pure  and  for 
progress. 

Now,  you  who  are  the  well  wishers  of  the  government  and  are  sincere, 
obedient  and  kind  toward  it,  be  ye  engaged  always  in  service.  Should  any 
of  you  enter  the  employment  of  the  government  he  must  live  and  act  with 
the  utmost  truthfulness,  righteousness,  chastity,  uprightness,  purity,  sanc- 
tity, justice  and  equity.  But  if  (I  seek  refuge  in  God!)  any  one  betray  the 
least  of  trusts,  or  neglect  and  be  remiss  in  the  performance  of  any  duties 
which  are  entrusted  to  him,  or  if  by  extortion  he  take  one  penny  from  any 
subject,  or  seek  after  his  own  or  personal  aims  and  ends  or  the  attainment 
of  his  own  interests,  he  shall  undoubtedly  remain  deprived  of  the  outpour- 
ings of  His  Highness  the  Almighty.  Beware!  Beware!  Lest  ye  fall 
short  of  that  which  ye  are  commanded  in  this  Tablet! 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablet  to  the  East  and  the  West,  p.  35. 

*  *  *  Likewise  the  advices  and  recommendations  that  this  servant 
(Abdul  Baha)  himself  hath  written  in  Tablets  to  Persia  and  America;  also 
the  irrefutable  command  that  the  Blessed  Perfection  hath  given  in  Tablets: 
that  the  believers  must  obey  the  kings  with  the  utmost  sincerity  and  fidel- 
ity, and  He  hath  forbidden  them  to  interfere  at  all  with  political  problems. 
He  hath  even  prohibited  the  believers  from  discussing  political  affairs.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  498. 

*  *  *  This  national  Assembly  will  not  bring  any  rapid  results.  Now 
some  of  the  agitators  are  harboring  evil  intentions  and  do  not  let  agreement 
and  union  be  realized  between  the  nations  and  the  government.  They 
are  instigating  the  hopeless  ones  at  every  moment  and  sending  them  to  the 
British  Legation,  while  on  the  other  hand  they  ask  private  assistance  and 
protection  from  the  government,  so  that  they  may  procure  wealth.  Each 
and  all  of  the  clergy  are  thinking  in  this  line. 


ABDUL  BAHA  69 

However  with  these  proceedings  and  counter  proceedings  we  have 
nothing  to  do.  We  are  commanded  to  quicken  the  souls,  to  train  the  char- 
acters, to  illumine  the  realm  of  man,  to  guide  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  to  create  concord  and  unity  among  all  men  and  to  lead  the  world  of 
humanity  to  the  fountain  of  the  everlasting  glory. 

The  reformation  of  one  Empire  is  not  our  aim;  nay  rather,  we  invoke 
from  God  that  all  the  regions  of  the  world  be  reformed  and  cultivated;  the 
republic  of  men  become  the  manifestors  of  the  bounty  of  the  most  glorious 
Lord;  the  East  and  the  West  be  brought  nearer  together;  that  Turk  and 
Tajik,  Iran  and  America,  India  and  Arabia,  Japan  and  Persia,  China  and 
Germany,  in  brief,  all  the  nations  and  peoples  of  the  world  become  as  one 
soul  and  one  spirit,  in  order  that  strife  and  warfare  be  entirely  removed  and 
the  rancor  and  hostility  disappear;  so  that  all  become  as  the  waves  of  one 
ocean,  the  drops  of  one  sea,  the  flowers  of  one  rose-garden,  the  trees  of  one 
orchard,  the  grains  of  one  harvest  and  the  plants  of  one  meadow.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  It  is  an  established  fact  that  the  Bahais  are  the  well  wishers  of  the 
nation  and  the  government;  are  showing  forth  obedience  and  displaying 
good  intentions;  are  not  interfering  in  political  matters;  are  engaged  in  the 
education  and  spiritualization  of  characters  and  are  occupied  with  the 
training  of  the  ignorant  ones.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  488-491. 

*  *  *  Be  ye  engaged  in  prayer  that  with  the  utmost  good  pleasure  the 
nation  obey  the  government,  comply  with  the  wise  counsels  of  the  atten- 
dants of  the  central  dominion,  give  no  attention  to  the  hearsay  of  the  agita- 
tors and  rise  not  to  quarrel  with  and  to  protest  against  the  government  like 
unto  the  Russian  Douma,  so  as  to  throw  the  whole  empire,  the  nation  and 
the  kingdom  into  a  sea  of  anarchy  and  lawlessness.  Much  prayer  is  needed 
so  that  God  may  help  and  protect.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  494. 

O  ye  friends  of  God !  Engage  in  love  as  much  as  you  can  and  be  gentle 
to  every  outsider;  suffer  from  enemies  and  behave  with  patience;  see  the 
asleep  as  the  awakened,  know  the  heedless  as  heedful,  deal  justly  with  the 
unjust  and  treat  the  oppressor  with  faithfulness.  Offend  not  the  mind  of 
any  person  and  grieve  not  the  heart  of  any  man;  be  towards  all  with  the 
utmost  humility  and  meekness,  and  be  loyal  and  sincere  subjects  to  the 
Royal  Throne;  obey  the  authorities  of  affairs,  and  make  no  interference 
whatsoever  with  political  matters;  adorn  the  meetings  with  the  commem- 
oration of  God  and  train  the  individuals  with  the  breath  of  the  merciful 
One;  utter  no  word  save  in  the  mention  of  God,  and  rest  only  in  the  shadow 
of  hope.  *  *  *       Abdul  Baha.     Tablets  containing  instructions,  1906. 

Asked  if  it  were  ever  right  to  rebel  against  an  earthly  ruler,  Abdul  Baha 
replied : 

Yes,  if  he  deals  unjustly  and  tyrannically  with  his  people  he  forfeits 
the  right  to  govern  them. 

Abdul  Baha.    Notes  taken  by  A.  S.  D.,  Acca,  Oct.  16, 1907. 


70  COMPILATION 

They  must  be  sumissive  to  just  rulers,  and  well  behaving  subjects  to 
the  benevolent  Prince,  and  interfere  not  with  political  matters. 

They  must  turn  toward  the  Orb  of  the  universe  and  engage  in  beauti- 
fying their  morals.  Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  Teheran,  1906. 


Thou  hast  asked  regarding  the  political  affairs.  In  the  United  States 
it  is  necessary  that  the  citizens  shall  take  part  in  elections.  This  is  a  nec- 
essary matter  and  no  excuse  from  it  is  possible. 

My  object  in  telling  the  believers  that  they  should  not  interfere  in  the 
affairs  of  the  government  is  this:  that  they  should  not  make  any  trouble 
and  that  they  should  not  move  against  the  opinion  of  the  government,  but 
obedience  to  the  laws  and  the  administration  of  the  commonwealth  is 
necessary.  Now  as  the  government  of  America  is  a  republican  form  of 
government  it  is  necessary  that  all  the  citizens  shall  take  part  in  the  elec- 
tion of  officers  and  take  part  in  the  affairs  of  the  republic. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  342. 


*  *  *  In  this  revelation  of  Baha'o'llah  the  women  go  neck  and  neck  with 
the  men.  In  no  movement  will  they  be  left  behind.  Their  rights  with 
men  are  equal  in  degree.  They  will  enter  all  the  administrative  branches 
of  politics.  They  will  attain  in  all  such  a  degree  as  will  be  considered  the 
very  highest  station  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  will  take  part  in  all 
affairs.  Rest  ye  assured.  Do  not  look  upon  the  present  conditions;  in 
the  not  far  distant  future  the  world  of  woman  will  become  all-refulgent  and 
all-glorious,  for  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  hath  willed  it  so:  At  the  time  of 
elections  the  right  to  vote  is  the  inalienable  right  of  women,  and  the  en- 
trance of  women  into  all  human  departments  is  an  irrefutable  and  incon- 
trovertible question. 

But  there  are  certain  matters,  the  participation  in  which  is  not  worthy 
of  women.  For  example,  at  the  time  when  the  community  is  taking  up 
vigorous  defensive  measures  against  the  attack  of  foes,  the  women  are 
exempt  from  military  engagements. 

It  may  so  happen  that  at  a  given  time  warlike  and  savage  tribes  may 
furiously  attack  the  body -politic  with  the  intention  of  carrying  on  a  whole- 
sale slaughter  of  its  members;  under  such  a  circumstance  defense  is  nec- 
essary; but  it  is  the  duty  of  men  to  organize  and  execute  such  defensive 
measures  and  not  the  women;  because  their  hearts  are  tender  and  they 
cannot  endure  the  sight  of  the  horror  of  carnage,  even  if  it  is  for  the  sake  of 
defense.     From  such  and  similar  undertakings  the  women  are  exempt. 

As  regards  the  constitution  of  the  House  of  Justice  Baha'o'llah  ad- 
dresses the  men.     He  says:   " O  ye  men  of  the  House  of  Justice ! " 

But  when  its  members  are  to  be  elected  the  right  which  belongs  to 
women,  so  far  as  their  voting  and  their  voice  is  concerned  is  indisputable. 

When  the  women  attain  to  the  ultimate  degree  of  progress,  then,  ac- 
cording to  the  exigency  of  the  time  and  place  and  their  great  capacity,  they 
shall  obtain  extraordinary  privileges.  Be  ye  confident  on  these  accounts. 
*  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  pp.  170-1. 


ABDUL  BAHA  71 

The  injunction  to  Bahais  has  been  this:  They  must  not  engage  in 
matters  of  poUtics  which  lead  to  corruption.  They  must  have  nothing  to 
do  with  corruption  or  sedition,  but  should  interest  themselves  in  clean 
politics. 

In  Persia  at  the  present  time  the  Bahais  have  no  part  in  the  movements 
which  have  terminated  in  corruption;  but  on  the  other  hand  a  Bahai  may 
be  a  politician  of  the  right  type;  even  ministers  in  Persia  are  Bahais.  We 
have  Governors-General  who  are  Bahais  and  there  are  many  other  Bahais 
who  take  part  in  politics,  but  not  in  corruption.  It  is  evident  they  must 
have  nothing  to  do  with  seditious  movements.  For  example,  if  the  Ameri- 
cans should  arise  with  the  intention  of  reinstating  despotism  the  Bahais 
should  take  no  part  in  it. 

The  Bahai  Cause  includes  questions  of  economic  and  social  conditions, 
but  they  are  under  the  heading  of  laws.  The  Bahai  spirit  is,  that  in  order 
to  establish  a  better  economic  and  social  condition  you  must  abide  by  cer- 
tain laws. 

We  will  have  economic  laws  so  that  the  Socialists  may  demand  legally 
and  not  by  force  or  strike.  The  Government  will  enact  the  laws,  establish 
just  legislation  and  just  economics,  in  order  that  all  humanity  may  enjoy 
the  utmost  of  welfare,  but  according  to  law.  Without  law  and  legislation 
demands  fail  and  welfare  will  not  be  realized.  Today  they  strike  and  make 
demands.  This  is  not  good.  Laws  and  regulations  set  forth  rightful 
demands. 

While  thousands  are  considering  these  questions  we  have  more  essential 
questions.  The  secrets  of  the  whole  economic  condition  are  divine  in  nature 
and  are  concerned  with  the  world  of  the  heart  and  spirit.  In  the  Bahai 
teaching  this  is  most  completely  explained,  and  without  consideration  of 
the  Bahai  teachings  it  is  impossible  to  realize  a  better  state.  All  this  will 
come  to  pass.  The  Bahais  will  bring  about  the  better  state,  but  not  through 
corruption  and  sedition.  It  will  not  be  warfare  but  perfect  welfare.  In 
short  hearts  must  be  so  cemented  together,  love  must  become  so  dominant, 
that  the  rich  shall  most  willingly,  out  of  the  free  will  of  their  hearts,  help 
and  extend  assistance  to  the  poor  and  take  steps  in  the  way  of  these  ad- 
justments. If  it  is  accomplished  in  this  way  it  will  be  very  good,  because 
then  it  will  be  for  the  sake  of  God  and  in  His  path.  *  *  * 

You  must  strive  as  much  as  possible  to  create  love  in  the  hearts  in  order 
that  they  may  become  shining  and  radiant.  When  that  love  shines  in  the 
hearts,  even  as  this  light  (pointing  to  the  electric  light),  it  will  permeate 
other  hearts.  And  when  the  love  of  God  is  established  everything  else 
will  be  realized.  This  is  the  foundation.  Be  thoughtful  of  this!  Think 
of  becoming  the  cause  of  the  attraction  of  souls.  Manifest  true  economics 
to  the  people.  Show  what  love  is,  what  kindness  is,  what  reverence  is, 
what  gi\nng  is. 

Baha'o'llah  spread  this  teaching  of  universal  peace  fifty  years  ago  when 
it  was  not  even  thought  of  by  the  people.  ^Vhile  Baha'o'llah  was  in  prison 
He  sent  tablets  (letters)  to  the  kings  and  rulers  advising  this,  and  it  was 
published  fifty  years  ago.  This  is  the  most  important  thing  for  you  to  do : 
Act  in  accordance  with  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah.  All  His  Books  will 
be  translated.     Now  is  the  time  for  you  to  five  in  accordance  with  the 


72  COMPILATION 

teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  that  is  the  true  translation.     Deeds  must  be  the 
real  translation. 

Economic  questions  will  not  attract  hearts.  The  love  of  God  alone  will 
attract  hearts.  These  economic  questions  are  very  good  questions,  but 
the  thing  that  attracts  the  hearts  of  men  is  the  love  of  God. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  122.    (1912.) 

With  political  questions  the  clergy,  however,  have  nothing  to  do.  Re- 
ligious matters  should  not  be  confused  with  politics  in  the  present  state  of 
the  world  (for  their  interests  are  not  identical).  Religion  concerns  matters 
of  the  heart,  of  the  spirit  and  of  morals. 

Politics  are  occupied  with  the  material  things  of  life.  Religious  teach- 
ers should  not  invade  the  realm  of  politics;  they  should  concern  themselves 
with  the  spiritual  education  of  the  people;  they  should  ever  give  good 
counsel  to  men,  trying  to  serve  God  and  humankind;  they  should  endeavor 
to  awaken  spiritual  aspiration,  and  strive  to  enlarge  the  understanding  and 
knowledge  of  humanity,  to  improve  morals  and  to  increase  the  love  for 
justice. 

This  is  in  accordance  with  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'Uah.  In  the  Gospel 
also  it  is  written,  "Render  unto  Caesar  the  things  which  are  Caesar's  and 
unto  God  the  things  which  are  God's." 

*  *  *  O  friends  of  God,  be  living  examples  of  justice,  so  that  by  the 
mercy  of  God  the  world  may  see  in  your  actions  that  you  manifest  the 
attributes  of  justice  and  mercy. 

Justice  is  not  limited,  it  is  a  universal  quality.  Its  operation  must  be 
carried  out  in  all  classes,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest.  Justice  must  be 
sacred  and  the  rights  of  all  the  people  must  be  considered.  Desire  for 
others  only  that  which  you  desire  for  yourselves,  then  shall  we  rejoice  in  the 
Sun  of  Justice  which  shines  from  the  horizon  of  God. 

Each  man  has  been  placed  in  a  post  of  honor  which  he  must  not  desert. 
An  humble  workman  who  commits  an  injustice  is  as  much  to  blame  as  a 
renowned  tyrant.  Thus  we  all  have  our  choice  between  justice  and  in- 
justice. 

I  hope  that  each  one  of  you  will  become  just  and  direct  your  thoughts 
toward  the  unity  of  mankind;  that  you  will  never  harm  your  neighbors  nor 
speak  ill  of  any  one;  that  you  will  respect  the  rights  of  all  men  and  be  more 
concerned  for  the  interests  of  others  than  for  your  own.  Thus  will  you 
become  torches  of  divine  justice  acting  in  accordance  with  the  teachings 
of  Baha'o'Uah,  who,  during  His  life,  bore  innumerable  trials  and  persecu- 
tions in  order  to  show  forth  to  the  world  of  mankind  the  virtues  of  the 
world  of  divinity,  making  it  possible  for  you  to  realize  the  supremacy  of 
the  spirit  and  to  rejoice  in  the  justice  of  God.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  146. 

*  *  *  It  is  the  time  of  firmness  and  steadfastness  and  the  period  of  aris- 
ing in  the  service  of  the  Word  of  God,  for  the  "Blessed  City"  is  environed 
from  all  directions  with  the  tempestuous  waves  of  tests  and  trials,  and  the 
sweeping  hurricanes  of  persecutions  and  hardships  are  blowing  and  roaring 
high.     The  joy  and  happiness  of  the  heart  of  Abdul  Baha  depends  upon 


ABDUL  BAHA  73 

the  stability  and  constancy  of  the  behevers.  For  they  must  live  and  act 
in  accord  with  the  divine  advices  and  exhortations  and  show  forth  to  each 
other  the  power  and  the  perfection  of  love  with  infinite  accord  and  unity; 
so  that  they  may  become  the  embodiment  of  one  existence,  the  waves  of 
one  sea,  the  myrtles  of  one  rose  garden,  the  rays  of  one  sun,  the  stars  of  one 
horizon,  the  fruits  of  one  tree  and  the  birds  of  one  meadow. 

Likewise,  they  must  treat  and  behave  toward  all  the  governments, 
nations,  communities,  kings  and  subjects  with  the  utmost  sincerity,  trust- 
worthiness, straightforwardness,  love  and  kindness.  Even  they  must  make 
hopeful  a  bloodthirsty  enemy,  show  sympathy  with  the  utmost  faithful- 
ness and  honor  to  the  perfidious  unjust,  know  the  ill-wisher  as  the  well- 
wisher  and  torment  not  the  sinner  with  reproaches.  Should  they  become 
the  targets  of  a  thousand  arrows  of  persecutions,  they  must  challenge  it 
with  love  and  friendship  and  treat  every  one  with  purity  of  purpose  and 
kindness.  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  435. 

While  watching  some  soldiers  drilling,  Abdul  Baha  said : 
Military  rules  are  far  worse  than  prison  rules.  These  soldiers  are  in 
reality  prisoners.  They  are  restricted  in  all  their  affairs.  They  cannot 
deviate  one  hair's  breadth  from  prescribed  rules.  They  are  circumscribed 
in  their  eating,  sleeping  and  walking.  They  are  not  at  all  free.  Imagina- 
tion rules  over  the  world  of  humanity.  These  men  are  prisoners  in  every- 
thing save  the  name.  Because  they  are  called  "soldiers"  and  are  sum- 
moned to  defend  what  the  demagogues  call  the  "fatherland,"  they  willingly 
go  through  all  these  hardships.  If  some  one  should  tell  them  that  they 
are  prisoners,  they  would  not  be  able  to  stand  it  one  month. 

*  *  *  How  ignorant  are  the  people!  They  are  willing  to  forfeit  their 
possessions,  honor,  wealth,  property  and  even  life  in  the  path  of  their 
country,  but  unwilling  to  perform  any  sacrifice  in  the  path  of  God.  The 
battlefields  of  the  world  have  been  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  millions 
of  soldiers,  all  to  no  purpose.  Today  no  one  knows  their  names.  But 
when  one  soul  sacrifices  his  life  in  the  path  of  God,  his  name  becomes  eter- 
nal.    Consider  how  precious  is  the  blood  of  the  martyrs!  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  5,  1914. 

*  *  *  Oh,  why  will  man,  the  disobedient  child  of  God,  who  should  be  an 
example  of  the  power  of  the  spiritual  law,  turn  his  face  away  from  the  di- 
vine teaching  and  put  all  his  effort  into  destruction  and  war! 

My  hope  is  that  in  this  enlightened  century  the  divine  light  of  love  will 
shed  its  radiance  over  the  whole  world,  seeking  out  the  responsive  hearts' 
intelligence  of  every  human  being;  that  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  will 
lead  politicians  to  shake  off  all  the  claims  of  prejudice  and  superstitions, 
and  with  freed  minds  to  follow  the  policy  of  God:  for  divine  poHtics  are 
mighty  and  man's  politics  are  feeble.  God  has  created  all  the  world  and 
bestows  his  divine  bounty  upon  every  creature.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  139. 

As  the  Cause  (of  Baha'o'llah)  advances  in  all  parts  of  the  world  the 
governments  will  realize  that  the  believers  of  God  are  law-abiding  citizens 


74  COMPILATION 

and  loyal,  relying  always  upon  the  justice  and  fair  play  with  which  they 
are  treated  by  the  central  administration. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  April  29,  191-4, 


*  *  *  I  desire  for  you  a  universal  patriotism.  A  high  soaring  bird  at- 
taches not  its  heart  to  its  earth  nest  and  abode.  At  every  dawn  it  sings 
a  new  melody  and  at  every  eve  it  w^arbles  the  strains  of  divine  mysteries 
in  a  new  meadow.  At  one  time  it  rises  above  the  summit  of  the  green 
mountains  and  again  it  spreads  its  imperial  wings  over  deserts  and  plains, 
and  anon  it  breaks  into  ideal  harmonies  and  chants  sweetly  the  secrets  of 
God.  It  is  not  attached  to  home  and  comfort,  nor  is  it  limited  to  nest  and 
abode.  Nay  rather,  it  is  intoxicated  with  the  wine  of  the  love  of  God, 
singing  at  all  times  the  anthems  and  praises  of  the  Almighty.  This  is  the 
habit  and  custom  of  the  heavenly  birds;  this  is  the  manner  and  conduct  of 
the  nightingale  of  the  rose  garden  of  the  Merciful.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  7. 


NEED  FOR  THE  POWER  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT  IN  THE  HAGUE 
AND  OTHER  PEACE  CONFERENCES 

Truly  I  say  many  societies  are  organized  in  America  for  the  promotion 
of  the  thought  of  peace  and  universal  brotherhood.  That  country  has 
preceded  all  the  rest  in  this  respect.  But  all  these  peace  societies  organ- 
ized in  the  countries  of  the  West,  whose  aim  is  the  oneness  of  the  realm 
of  humanity,  consist  of  explanations  and  theories  on  this  subject;  but 
the  Bahais  have  engraved  this  matter  on  the  page  of  this  world  with  their 
owTi  blood.  Through  the  power  of  the  W^ord  of  God  they  have  unfurled 
the  banner  of  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity  upon  the  apex  of 
the  world  with  deeds  and  actions;  and  through  the  bounty  of  Baha' o 'Hah 
they  have  spread  the  proclamation  of  the  brotherhood  of  man  and  the 
universal  equality  among  the  people  of  the  East  and  the  West.  Herein 
consists  the  difference. 

Consider  thou  that  the  Hague  Conference  was  instituted  and  estab- 
lished by  the  kings  and  rulers  of  the  world,  but  when  it  came  to  the  station 
of  action,  the  Czar  of  Russia,  who  was  the  founder  of  the  Conference, 
declared  war  with  Japan.  Nearly  one  million  of  souls  were  torn  to  pieces 
on  the  battlefield  and  kneaded  the  earth  ^ith  their  blood.  Notwith- 
standing this,  the  Bahais  must  associate  and  become  members  of  these 
peace  societies,  so  that  they  may  awaken  them  to  the  realization  that  this 
great  cause  of  universal  peace  cannot  be  established  and  maintained  except 
through  the  power  of  God,  which  is  supernatural. 

Human  nature  in  this  phenomenal  world  is  fashioned  with  the  poison 
of  war  and  strife.  We  need  a  powerful  force  beyond  and  above  this  world 
of  nature,  so  that  this  condition  may  be  effaced  from  the  surface  of  the 
world. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  tablet  to  an  American  believer,  Sept.  12,  1911. 


ABDUL  BAHA  75 

What  of  the  Peace  Congress? 

Answer:  It  resembles  many  drunkards  gathered  together  to  protest 
against  the  drinking  of  alcohol.  They  say  that  drink  is  horrible  and  they 
straightway  go  out  from  the  house  to  drink  again. 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  55. 

O  ye  friends  of  God!  The  world  is  like  the  body  of  man:  it  hath 
become  sick,  feeble  and  infirm;  its  eye  is  devoid  of  sight,  its  ear  hath  become 
destitute  of  hearing  and  its  faculties  of  sense  are  entirely  dissolved.  The 
friends  of  God  must  become  as  wise  physicians  and  care  for  and  heal  this 
sick  person,  in  accord  with  the  divine  teachings;  in  order  that,  God  will- 
ing, it  may  perchance  gain  health,  find  eternal  healing;  that  its  lost  powers 
may  be  restored  and  that  the  world  may  find  such  health,  freshness  and 
purity  that  it  will  appear  in  the  utmost  beauty  and  charm. 

The  first  remedy  is  to  guide  the  people,  so  that  they  may  turn  unto 
God,  hearken  unto  the  divine  commandments  and  go  forth  with  a  hearing 
ear  and  seeing  eye.  After  this  swift  and  certain  remedy  hath  been  applied, 
then,  according  to  the  divine  teachings,  they  ought  to  be  trained  in  the 
conduct,  morals  and  deeds  of  the  Supreme  Concourse,  encouraged  and 
inspired  with  the  gifts  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha.  The  hearts  should  be 
purified  and  cleansed  from  every  trace  of  hatred  and  rancor  and  enabled 
to  engage  in  truthfulness,  conciliation,  uprightness  and  love  toward  the 
world  of  humanity;  so  that  the  East  and  the  West  may  embrace  each 
other  like  unto  two  lovers,  enmity  and  animosity  may  vanish  from  the 
human  world  and  universal  peace  be  established. 

O  ye  friends  of  God!  Be  kind  to  all  peoples  and  nations,  have  love 
for  all  of  them,  exert  yourselves  to  purify  the  hearts  as  much  as  you  can 
and  bestow  abundant  effort  in  rejoicing  the  souls.  Be  ye  a  sprinkling 
of  rain  to  every  meadow  and  a  water  of  life  to  every  tree.  Be  ye  as  fragrant 
musk  to  every  nostril  and  a  soul-refreshing  breeze  to  every  invalid.  Be 
ye  salutary  water  to  every  thirsty  one,  a  wise  guide  to  everyone  led  astray, 
an  affectionate  father  or  mother  to  every  orphan  and,  in  the  utmost  joy 
and  fragrance,  a  son  or  daughter  to  everyone  bent  with  age.  Be  ye  a 
rich  treasure  to  every  indigent  one ;  consider  love  and  union  as  a  delectable 
paradise  and  count  annoyance  and  hostility  as  the  torment  of  hell-fire. 
Exert  your  soul,  seek  no  rest  in  body,  supplicate  and  beseech  with  your 
heart,  and  search  for  divine  assistance  and  favor,  in  order  that  ye  may 
make  this  world  the  paradise  of  Abha  and  this  terrestrial  globe  the  arena 
of  the  supreme  Kingdom.  If  ye  make  an  effort,  it  is  certain  that  these 
lights  will  s'hine,  this  cloud  of  mercy  will  rain,  this  soul-nourishing  breeze 
will  waft  and  the  scent  of  this  most  fragrant  musk  will  be  diffused. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  1,  p.  36. 

*  *  *  Thou  hast  written  concerning  the  universal  peace,  that  before 
long  the  congress  of  The  Hague  will  be  opened  and  discussion  will  be  made 
in  regard  to  universal  peace. 

This  problem  cannot  be  solved  by  the  congress  of  The  Hague  whose 
members  are   the  representatives  of   nations;    nay  rather,  this  graceful 


76  COMPILATION 

beloved  will  unveil  her  face  in  all  the  regions  through  the  penetrative 
power  of  the  Word  of  God. 

The  congress  of  The  Hague  is  as  follows:  The  wine  sellers  call  a  meet- 
ing so  that  they  may  discuss  the  evils  of  wine  and  remove  from  the  world 
the  drinking  of  wine;   yet  their  own  vocation  is  wine  selling. 

Nations  who  are  constantly  thinking  either  of  worldly  conquest,  the 
expansion  of  their  own  dominion  or  waging  war  upon  their  contemporaries, 
send  ministers  and  representatives  to  the  congress  of  The  Hague  to  discuss 
the  problem  of  universal  peace  and  legislate  regulations  for  the  prevention 
of  war.  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.   595. 

These  delegates  who  have  gathered  in  the  "Peace  Conference"  are 
like  merchants.  Each  strives  to  compete  for  victory  with  his  rival.  Even 
if  peace  were  established  it  would  be  but  temporary.  Years  ago  there  was 
an  international  peace  agreement,  but  wars  have  continued  notwithstand- 
ing. If  such  conferences  were  endowed  with  the  power  to  establish  an 
enduring  peace,  the  world  would  have  been  at  rest  long  ago. 

Praise  be  to  God,  souls  have  assembled  here  with  pure  intention.  That 
which  is  the  means  of  love  and  fellowship  in  the  world  of  humanity  is 
acceptable  at  the  divine  threshold,  and  that  which  is  conducive  to  the 
warfare  of  mankind  or  any  movement  which  brings  rancor,  hatred  and 
animosity,  is  not  acceptable. 

All  the  holy  and  inspired  messengers  who  have  shone  in  the  history 
of  the  world  have,  as  the  fulfillment  of  their  mission,  the  promotion  of  love 
and  amity  in  the  hearts  of  the  people.  In  order  that  the  members  of 
the  world  of  humanity  might  associate  with  each  other,  these  divine  souls 
have  utilized  every  means,  for  it  has  been  the  aim  of  all  the  prophets  of 
God  to  bring  about  reconciliation  and  fellowship  among  the  sons  of  men. 
The  divine  philosophers  and  scholars  of  history  strove  with  all  their 
powers  to  bring  about  this  ideal  condition.  In  this  highway  they  have 
given  up  wealth,  property  and  possessions.  For  this  central  principle 
of  peace  more  than  twenty  thousand  in  the  Orient  have  given  up  their 
lives.  While  under  the  sword  of  execution,  their  great  desire  was  this 
fulfillment;  while  in  the  pillory,  they  longed  for  the  effulgence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  While  actually  being  hewed  asunder  they  went  to  death  with  the 
greatest  joy  and  felicity,  knowing  that  their  martyrdom  hastened  the 
millennium.  Consider  to  what  an  extent  they  were  self-sacrificing.  They 
were  happy  and  ready  to  give  up  everything,  even  to  life  itself. 

There  are  certain  souls  whose  aim  is  equally  lofty.  Their  desire  is 
also  the  affinity  between  members  of  the  human  family,  but  they  practice 
it  only  to  the  extent  of  verbal  demonstration.  They  are  not  ready  to 
give  up  their  lives  for  its  accomplishment.  There  is  a  great  difference 
between  the  man  who  rests  on  the  bed  of  luxury  and  selfishness  and  the 
man  who,  in  the  arena  of  activity,  willingly  sacrifices  all  for  the  attainment 
of  a  sacred  object. 

Philosophers  and  those  who  see  visions  dream  safely  in  the  security 
of  their  own  houses.  But  the  faithful  servants  of  the  Almighty  did  not 
merely  dream  high  ideals  in  homes  of  comfort.  In  order  to  prove  their 
sincerity  they  gave  up  their  houses  and  lives.     The  earth  became  crimson 


ABDUL  BAHA  77 

\\'ith  their  blood;  the  cross  adorned  their  holy  temples;  their  bodies  and 
their  heads  decorated  the  points  of  spears.  Thereby  we  can  judge  of 
their  sincerity.  This  is  the  station  of  sacrifice.  This  is  the  station  of 
martyrdom.  The  men  who  desire  the  improvement  of  the  human  race, 
must  ever  be  ready  to  sacrifice  their  honor,  glory  and  life.  In  this  century 
the  Bahais  have  sacrificed  their  lives  so  that  fellowship  and  affection  may 
become  realized  in  the  hearts,  so  that  the  world  of  humanity  may  become 
radiant,  the  children  of  men  be  resuscitated  with  a  new  life,  and  the  earthly 
world  become  the  mirror  reflecting  the  divine  world.  When  a  holy  and 
divine  messenger  appears  on  earth  their  power  of  unity  and  agreement 
is  made  possible.         Abdul  Baha.     Talk  in  London,  Dec.  29,  1912. 

The  Universal  Races  Congress  was  good,  for  it  was  intended  for  the 
furtherance  and  progress  of  unity  among  all  nations  and  a  better  inter- 
national understanding.  The  purpose  was  good.  The  causes  of  disputes 
among  different  nations  are  always  due  to  one  of  the  following  classes  of 
prejudice:  racial,  lingual,  theological,  personal,  and  prejudices  of  custom 
and  tradition.  It  requires  a  universal  active  force  to  overcome  these 
differences.  A  small  disease  needs  a  small  remedy,  but  a  disease  which 
pervades  the  whole  body  needs  a  very  strong  remedy.  A  small  lamp 
may  light  a  room,  a  larger  would  light  a  house,  a  larger  still  might  shine 
through  the  city,  but  the  sun  is  needed  to  light  the  whole  world. 

The  differences  in  language  cause  disunion  between  nations.  There 
must  be  one  universal  language.  The  diversity  in  faiths  is  also  a  cause 
of  separation.  The  true  foundation  of  all  faiths  must  be  established, 
the  outer  differences  abolished.  There  must  be  a  oneness  of  faith.  To 
end  all  these  differences  is  a  very  hard  task.  The  whole  world  is  sick  and 
needs  the  power  of  the  Great  Healer. 

These  meetings  teach  us  that  unity  is  good,  and  that  suppression 
(slavery  under  the  yoke  of  tradition  and  prejudice)  is  the  cause  of  disunion. 
To  know  this  is  not  enough.  All  knowledge  is  good,  but  it  can  bear  no 
fruit  except  by  action.  It  is  well  to  know  that  riches  are  good,  but  that 
knowledge  will  not  make  a  man  rich,  he  must  work,  he  must  put  his 
knowledge  into  practice.  We  hope  the  people  realize  and  know  that  unity 
is  good,  and  we  also  hope  that  they  will  not  be  content  to  stand  still  in 
that  knowledge.  Do  not  only  say  that  unity,  love  and  brotherhood  are 
good,  you  must  work  for  their  realization. 

The  Czar  of  Russia  suggested  the  Hague  Peace  Conference  and  pro- 
posed a  decrease  in  armament  for  all  nations.  In  this  Conference  it  was 
proved  that  peace  was  beneficial  to  all  countries  and  that  war  destroyed 
trade,  etc.  The  Czar's  words  were  admirable,  though  after  the  Conference 
was  over  he  himself  was  the  first  to  declare  war  (against  Japan). 

Knowledge  is  not  enough;  we  hope  by  the  love  of  God  we  shall  put 
it  into  practice.  A  spiritual  universal  force  is  needed  for  this.  Meetings 
are  good  for  engendering  spiritual  force.  To  know  that  it  is  possible  to 
reach  a  state  of  perfection  is  good ;  to  march  forward  on  the  path  is  better. 
We  know  that  to  help  the  poor  and  to  be  merciful  is  good  and  pleases 
God,  but  knowledge  alone  does  not  feed  the  starving  man,  nor  can  the 
poor  be  warmed  by  knowledge  or  words,  in  the  bitter  winter. 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  pp.  52-54. 


78  COMPILATION 

In  order  to  bring  about  a  state  of  peace  and  unity  three  things  are 
necessary : 

(a)  To  know,     (b)  To  have  the  intention,     (c)  To  put  into  practice. 

IJnity  is  good.  To  know  this  is  not  sufficient.  You  must  intend  to 
promote  it,  you  must  work  for  it.  Knowledge  is  a  good  thing,  but  it  is 
only  the  first  step.     If  knowledge  is  alone  it  is  stationary. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  19,  p.  5. 

The  copy  of  the  address  which  you  delivered  before  the  Peace  Congress 
was  received.  Truly  I  say  thou  art  a  ransom  to  the  Blessed  Perfection. 
Thou  hast  no  other  thought  nor  idea  save  the  spreading  of  the  rays  of 
the  kingdom  of  Abha  which  is  this  address  which  thou  hast  delivered  in 
the  Congress. 

The  Bahai  friends  must  utilize  all  their  thoughts,  so  that  they  may  be 
able  to  attract  such  gatherings  to  the  kingdom  of  Abha. 

For  these  souls  without  being  conscious  are  serving  the  kingdom  of 
Abha,  and  incidentally  before  reading  your  letter  I  had  written  two  tablets 
to  the  founder  of  the  Mohonk  Lake  Conference  on  International  Arbitra- 
tion, and  its  secretary.  Undoubtedly  you  shall  become  acquainted  with 
the  contents  of  those  two  tablets.  *  *  *  Association  and  communication 
with  this  Congress  is  incumbent  upon  the  believers  of  God,  for  their 
instrumentalities  are  physical,  and  the  teachings  of  the  Blessed  Perfection 
are  the  spirit.  That  body  needs  this  spirit  in  order  that  it  may  become 
quickened  and  attain  to  the  greatest  importance.  *  *  * 

Endeavor  ye  so  far  as  you  can  that  the  spirit  of  the  kingdom  of  the 
Glory  of  God,  through  the  confirmation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  may  be  diffused 
through  the  hearts  and  souls  of  the  societies  and  individuals  of  that  con- 
tinent and  that  with  the  greatest  love  and  concord  you  may  become  lovers 
of  each  other.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  revealed  for  C.  M.  R.,  1911. 


RELIGION  —  Prophets  —  Manifestation 

During  the  journey  it  has  become  manifest  and  evident  to  me  that  the 
western  world  has  made  extraordinary  progress  in  material  civilization,  but 
divine  civilization  is  well-nigh  forgotten. 

This  is  the  result  of  the  submission  of  all  human  thought  to  the  world 
of  nature.  All  that  one  observes  in  the  Western  Hemisphere  are  the  ap- 
pearances of  the  material  world  and  not  of  the  divine  world. 

As  there  are  many  defects  in  the  world  of  nature  the  lights  of  the  divine 
civilization  are  hidden  and  nature  has  become  the  ruler  over  all  things. 

In  the  world  of  nature  the  greatest  dominant  note  is  the  struggle  for 
existence  —  the  result  of  which  is  the  survival  of  the  fittest.  The  law  of 
the  survival  of  the  fittest  is  the  origin  of  all  difficulties.  It  is  the  cause  of 
war  and  strife,  hatred  and  animosity,  between  human  beings. 

In  the  world  of  nature  there  is  tyranny,  egoism,  aggression,  overbear- 
ance,  usurpation  of  the  rights  of  others  and  other  blameworthy  attributes 
which  are  defects  of  the  animal  world.  Therefore,  so  long  as  the  require- 
ments of  the  natural  world  play  paramount  part  among  the  children  of  men, 


ABDUL  BAHA  79 

success  and  prosperity  are  impossible.  For  the  success  and  prosperity  of 
the  human  world  depend  upon  the  qualities  and  virtues  with  which  the 
reality  of  humanity  is  adorned;  while  the  exigencies  of  the  natural  world 
work  against  the  realization  of  this  object. 

Nature  is  warlike,  nature  is  bloodthirsty,  nature  is  tyrannical,  nature  is 
unaware  of  His  Highness  the  Almighty.  That  is  why  these  cruel  qualities 
are  natural  to  the  animal  world. 

Therefore,  His  Highness  the  Lord  of  mankind,  having  great  love  and 
mercy,  has  caused  the  appearance  of  the  prophets  and  the  revelations  of 
the  Holy  Books,  so  that  through  divine  education  the  world  of  humanity 
may  be  released  from  the  corruption  of  nature  and  the  darkness  of  ignor- 
ance; be  confirmed  with  ideal  virtues,  the  susceptibilities  of  consciousness 
and  the  spiritual  attributes  and  become  the  dawning-place  of  merciful 
emotions.  This  is  divine  civilization.  Today  in  the  world  of  humanity 
material  civilization  is  like  unto  a  lamp  of  the  utmost  transparency,  but 
this  lamp,  a  thousand  times  alas,  is  deprived  of  light.  This  light  is  divine 
civilization,  which  is  instituted  by  the  holy  divine  Manifestations. 

This  century  is  the  century  of  light.  This  century  is  the  century  of 
the  appearance  of  reality.     This  century  is  the  century  of  universal  progress. 

A  hundred  thousand  times  alas,  that  ignorant  prejudice,  unnatural 
differences  and  antagonistic  and  inimical  principles  are  yet  displayed  by 
the  nations  of  the  world  toward  one  another,  thus  causing  the  retardation 
of  general  progress.  This  retrogression  comes  from  the  fact  that  the  prin- 
ciples of  divine  civilization  are  completely  abandoned  and  the  teachings 
of  the  prophets  of  God  are  forgotten. 

For  instance,  it  is  the  clear  text  of  the  Old  Testament  that  all  humanity 
are  the  creatures  of  God.  They  are  under  the  protection  of  the  Almighty. 
The  devil  had  nothing  to  do  with  their  creation.  It  is  the  text  of  the  New 
Testament  that  the  sun  of  God  shines  upon  the  just  and  the  unjust  alike. 
It  is  likewise  written  in  the  Koran:  "Thou  shalt  not  see  any  difference  in 
the  creations  of  thy  Lord."  These  expressions,  which  convey  the  same  idea, 
are  the  foundation  of  the  holy  divine  Manifestations  of  God.  A  thousand 
times  alas,  that  misunderstanding  has  completely  uprooted  this  basis. 

Firstly,  religion  must  become  the  means  of  love  and  amity.  Secondly, 
it  must  proclaim  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity. 

But  the  leaders  among  the  people  have  caused  it  to  become  the  means 
of  hatred  and  enmity.  For  the  last  6,000  years  there  has  been  bloodshed 
and  rapacity  amongst  the  children  of  men.  These  blameworthy  attributes 
are  the  manifestations  of  the  animal  nature.  Outwardly  it  has  been  called 
religious  prejudice,  racial  prejudice  and  patriotic  prejudice.  Men  have 
taken  an  ax  and  cut  through  the  root  of  the  tree  of  humanity.  A  hundred 
thousand  times  alas! 

In  short,  I  have  traveled  throughout  many  countries  in  the  western 
world,  especially  America.  In  many  big  churches  and  large  meetings  I 
proclaimed  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  in  accord  with  the  teach- 
ings of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah.  I  promoted  the  principle  of  universal 
peace,  and  with  resonant  voice  I  summoned  all  to  enter  into  the  Eangdom 
of  God. 


^80  COMPILATION 

I  said:  Praise  be  to  God  that  the  Sun  of  ReaHty  has  shone  forth  with 
the  utmost  brilliancy  from  the  eastern  horizon.  The  regions  of  the  world 
are  flooded  with  Its  glorious  light.     There  are  many  rays  to  this  Sun: 

The  first  ray  is  heavenly  teachings. 

The  second  ray  is  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  . 

The  third  ray  is  the  establishment  of  universal  peace. 

The  fourth  ray  is  the  investigation  of  reality. 

The  fifth  ray  is  the  promulgation  of  universal  fellowship. 

The  sixth  ray  is  the  inculcation  of  divine  love  through  the  power  of  religion. 

The  seventh  ray  is  the  conformity  of  religion  with  science  and  reason. 

The  eighth  ray  is  the  abandonment  of  religious,  racial,  patriotic  and 
political  prejudices. 

The  ninth  ray  is  the  universal  spread  of  education. 

The  tenth  ray  is  the  organization  of  the  arbitral  court  of  justice,  or  Par- 
liament of  Man,  before  the  members  of  which  all  the  international  and 
intergovernmental  problems  are  arbitrated. 

The  eleventh  ray  is  the  equality  of  the  sexes  —  the  giving  of  the  same 
educational  facilities  to  women  as  to  men,  so  that  they  may  become 
adorned  with  all  the  virtues  of  humanity. 

The  twelfth  ray  is  the  solution  of  all  the  economic  problems  of  the 
world,  so  that  each  individual  member  of  humanity  may  enjoy  the  utmost 
comfort  and  well-being. 

The  thirteenth  ray  is  the  spread  of  an  auxiliary  world  language. 

Just  as  the  rays  of  the  phenomenal  sun  are  infinite,  likewise  the  rays 
of  the  Sun  of  Reality  are  infinite.  The  above  summary  only  contains  a 
few  of  its  rays. 

The  spreading  of  these  rays  will  deliver  the  world  of  humanity  from 
the  darkness  of  ignorance,  strangeness  and  narrowness,  and  will  guide  it 
to  the  center  of  all  these  rays.  Then  the  foundation  of  warfare  and  strife, 
animosity  and  hatred,  will  be  destroyed  from  amongst  the  people  and  the 
misunderstandings  existing  between  the  religions  will  be  dispelled.  The 
foundation  of  the  religions  of  God  is  one,  and  that  is  the  oneness  of  the 
world  of  humanity. 

Praise  be  to  God!  While  traveling  in  America  I  found  attentive  ears. 
I  associated  and  became  intimate  with  many  people.  I  observed  that 
their  object  is  the  spread  of  fellowship  amongst  all  people,  and  their  high- 
est hope  is  the  extraordinary  advancement  of  the  human  world.  Similarly 
in  London  I  met  many  blessed  and  enlightened  souls  who  are  striving  with 
heart  and  soul  to  create  love  and  amity  between  the  various  nations  and 
races.  It  is  my  hope  that  from  day  to  day  these  lofty  ideals  may  find 
greater  spread,  and  these  philanthropic  intentions  may  more  and  more 
appear,  so  that  all  the  nations  of  the  world  may  become  the  manifestors 
of  merciful  attributes  and  there  may  remain  no  strife  and  ill-feeling  amongst 
religions  and  communities.  This  is  everlasting  glory!  This  is  eternal 
prosperity !     This  is  the  paradise  of  the  world  of  humanity ! 

Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  8,  p.  15. 

The  germinating  and  growing  trees  join  the  babbling  brooks  and  the 
sighing  pines  in  the  singing  of  their  anthem.     May  you  also  resuscitate 


ABDUL  BAHA  81 

the  dead  souls  with  the  wafting  of  the  breeze  of  divine  grace!  Praise  be 
to  God,  that  the  bounty  and  bestowal  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  are  with 
us,  His  confirmation,  His  spirituality,  His  advice,  His  exhortation  are 
with  us. 

He  has  given  us  an  irresistible  power  that  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
cannot  withstand.  May  you  ever  be  under  the  protection  of  God!  May 
the  Almighty  Father  assist  and  protect  you!  I  shall  never  forget  you,  I 
shall  ever  remember  you.  You  will  always  be  in  my  thoughts.  I  hope 
you  will  not  forget  me.  I  trust  the  ideal  bonds,  spiritual  communication, 
may  ever  become  stronger  and  firmer.  The  celestial  ties  are  eternal. 
Whenever  I  supplicate  and  entreat  toward  the  Kingdom  of  Abha,  I  shall 
beg  for  your  confirmation  and  assistance,  that  the  door  of  every  good  may 
be  opened  before  your  faces,  so  that  each  one  of  you  may  become  a  sign  of 
guidance  and  a  flag  of  peace. 

The  portraits  which  are  drawn  on  the  canvas  of  the  world  have  become 
very  antiquated.  Now  you  must  become  inspired  to  paint  new  life-like 
portraits  in  the  frame  of  the  universe  with  the  delicate  brush  of  the  spirit. 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary. 

Your  present  effort  will  bring  most  great  results  in  the  future. 

The  question  of  universal  peace  is  one  of  the  teachings  of  His  Hohness 
Baha'o'llah.  *  *  *  The  principles  of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  are  numer- 
ous. One  of  these  principles  is  the  question  of  universal  peace.  Save 
through  this  divine  power,  or  in  other  words,  religious  power,  the  matter 
of  universal  peace  will  not  be  established  on  a  firm  and  lasting  founda- 
tion. *  *  * 

*  *  *  Consequently,  as  universal  peace  is  one  principle  of  the  principles 
of  Baha'o'llah,  it  will  become  fully  established  through  this  heavenly 
power.     Without  this  potency,  this  desire  will  not  be  realized. 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Tablet  to  five  San  Francisco  Friends.    Trans. 

August  5,  1914. 

*  *  *  It  is  impossible  for  religion  to  be  contrary  to  science,  even  though 
some  intellects  are  too  weak  or  too  immature  to  understand  truth. 

God  made  religion  and  science  to  be  the  measure  of  our  understanding. 
Take  heed  that  you  neglect  not  such  a  wonderful  power.  Weigh  all  things 
in  this  balance. 

To  him  who  has  the  power  of  comprehension  religion  is  like  an  open 
book,  but  how  can  it  be  possible  for  a  man  devoid  of  reason  and  intellectu- 
ality to  understand  the  divine  realities  of  God? 

Put  all  your  beliefs  into  harmony  with  science;  there  can  be  no  oppo- 
sition, for  truth  is  one.  When  religion,  shorn  of  its  superstitions,  traditions 
and  unintelligent  dogmas,  shows  its  conformity  with  science,  then  there 
will  be  a  great  unifying,  cleansing  force  in  the  world,  which  will  sweep 
before  it  all  wars,  disagreements,  discords  and  struggles,  and  then  will 
mankind  be  united  in  the  power  of  the  love  of  God. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  135. 

The  divine  religions  w'ere  founded  for  no  other  purpose  than  the  uni- 
fication of  humanity  and  the  pacification  of  mankind.     Any  movement 


82  COMPILATION 

which  brings  about  peace  for  human  society  is  truly  a  divine  movement; 
any  reform  which  brings  people,  gathers  them  together,  beneath  the  same 
tabernacle  surely  is  animated  by  peaceful  motives.  At  all  times  and  in 
all  ages  religion  has  been  a  factor  in  cementing  the  hearts  of  men  together 
and  in  uniting  various  and  divergent  creeds,  and  surely  it  is  the  peace 
element  therein  which  unites  and  which  makes  peace,  for  warfare  has 
ever  been  the  cause  of  separating  men,  the  cause  of  disunion  and  discord 
amongst  men. 

Consider  how  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  united  the  divergent  peoples 
and  differing  sects  and  denominations  of  the  early  days,  hence  it  becomes 
evident  that  the  fundamentals  of  religions  are  intended  to  unite  and  bind 
together.  Their  aim  is  universal  peace,  everlasting  peace.  Even  go 
prior  to  the  time  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  and  you  will  find  that  the 
prophetic  word  then  and  there  was  also  conducive  to  unification  of  various 
types  and  opposing  elements  of  human  society,  and  the  first  and  primary 
teachers  who  succeeded  Jesus  Christ  have  aimed  at  the  unity  of  mankind. 

His  Holiness  Baha'o'Uah,  in  Persia,  was  enabled  to  unite  peoples  of 
various  thoughts  and  creeds  and  differing  denominations.  In  far-off 
Persia  there  were  Christians,  Mohammedans,  Jews,  even  Zoroastrians 
and  their  various  denominations,  together  with  racial  distinctions,  such 
as  the  Semitic,  the  Arabic,  the  Persian,  the  Turk,  and  so  on;  through  the 
power  of  religion  He  was  enabled  to  unite  these  differing  peoples;  so  that 
these  opposing  peoples  were  united  to  the  extent  of  consorting  in  perfect 
amity.  Such  a  unity  and  accord  became  realized  among  them  that  they 
were  considered  as  one  people,  one  kind.  Every  religion  of  the  divine 
religions  is  divisible  into  two  distinct  departments;  one  department  or 
division  which  is  essential,  which  is  fundamental,  is  that  which  is  concerned 
with  the  realm  of  morals  and  ethics,  with  the  spiritual  progress  of  man 
and  that  is  changeless.  For  example,  in  the  Messianic  day  the  divine  law 
was  divided  into  the  two  divisions.  One  division  which  was  essential 
concerned  itself  with  the  realm  of  morals,  with  the  spiritual  suscepti- 
bilities, with  the  heavenly  bestowals.  The  other  division  touched  upon 
the  material  conditions,  the  deals  among  humankind,  and  that  is  acci- 
dental, and  therein  there  is  change  and  transformation.  For  example,  in 
the  days  of  Moses  there  were  ten  distinct  commandments  with  regard 
to  murder.  In  the  days  of  Jesus  these  were  abrogated,  for  in  the  Mosaic 
day  these  ten  commandments  or  ordinances  were  in  accordance  with  the 
exigencies  of  the  time;  but  in  the  days  of  Jesus  these  not  being  in  con- 
formity with  the  times,  were  abrogated. 

In  short,  every  religion,  every  great  religious  foimdation,  is  divisible 
into  two  departments.  One  concerns  the  moral  welfare  and  that  is  one. 
It  was  the  same  in  the  days  of  Moses;  during  the  days  of  Abraham  it  was 
the  same;  in  the  days  of  Jesus  it  remained  the  same;  that  is  changeless 
and  that  is  essential  religiously.  The  second  division,  which  has  to  do 
with  the  deals  of  humanity,  with  the  essential  welfare  of  society,  is  con- 
stantly subjected  to  changes,  in  accordance  with  times  and  places.  The 
purport  is  this :  that  the  divine  religions  have  for  their  central  aim  peace, 
for  their  reality  is  one.  It  is  one  light,  one  ocean,  one  rain,  and  therein 
there  is  no  difference  at  all,  hence  that  forms  the  basis  for  peace  and  amity. 


ABDUL  BAHA  83 

The  various  and  opposing  nations  that  factor  can  bring  together  and 
unite.  The  warring  nations  can  be  brought  to  peace  thereby.  Consider 
how  after  the  Messianic  day  the  Roman  empire  and  the  Greek  nation 
were  at  warfare,  what  enmity  was  exercised  towards  the  Greeks  by  the 
Romans,  The  warring  element  between  the  Assyrians  and  the  Egyptians 
in  those  days  was  well  known,  but  the  teachings  of  His  Holiness  Jesus 
Christ  proved  to  be  the  cement  wherewith  they  were  united  —  they  were 
brought  to  peace;  warfare  ceased,  strife  and  rancor  passed  away,  and 
together  they  associated  with  the  utmost  love  and  amity.  Strife,  war- 
fare and  bloodshed  are  the  very  destroyers  of  the  human  foundations, 
whereas  peace  and  amity  are  the  founders  of  the  welfare  and  the  benefit 
of  humanity.  For  instance,  take  two  nations,  two  religions,  two  races, 
or  two  peoples  which  have  for  two  thousand  years  kept  peace  or  remained 
in  a  peaceful  state,  yet  for  time  to  come  they  are  in  need  of  that  peace. 
Peace  is  ever  needed,  but  if  the  two  nations  should  enter  the  battlefield 
for  one  year,  at  the  end  of  that  year  consider  the  destruction  and  the 
tremendous  demand  for  peace  again,  for  peace  and  unity  are  the  factors 
which  bring  about  the  comfort  and  welfare  of  humanity,  whereas  warfare 
and  strife  are  the  destroyers  of  the  foundations  of  society. 

The  human  organism  may  be  taken  as  an  example  of  the  body -politic. 
As  long  as  the  members  and  parts  of  the  human  organism  are  at  peace, 
coordinate,  and  cooperate  together  peacefully  and  harmoniously,  we 
have  as  the  result  the  expression  of  life  in  its  fullest  form;  where  they 
differ  we  have  the  reverse,  which  in  the  human  organism  is  warfare;  and 
when  dissension  continues  and  discord  waxes  grave  in  the  human  organism, 
the  result  is  dissension  and  dissolution  and  ultimately  death.  All  objects, 
all  created  beings  are  contingent  or  dependent  upon  peace,  for  every  con- 
tingent or  phenomenal  being  is  composed  of  distinct  elements.  As  long 
as  there  is  an  amicable  understanding,  a  unity  of  action  and  coordination 
among  these  elements  which  go  to  form  this  phenomenal  being,  there  we 
have  peace;  but  as  soon  as  dissension  takes  place  disintegration  results. 
The  purpose  is  this,  that  peace  and  amity  are  the  saving  factors  of  society, 
whereas  warfare  and  strife  are  the  factors  which  bring  about  death  and 
destruction,  and  God  has  willed  for  His  humankind  naught  but  peace 
and  amity.  All  the  prophets  has  He  sent  for  this  purpose.  For  peace 
and  amity  are  life  itself,  whereas  discord  and  dissension  are  death  and 
destruction. 

Now,  inasmuch  as  the  reality  of  the  religions  is  one,  and  the  difference 
is  one  of  imitations,  but  religion  essentially  is  one,  the  existing  religions 
must  give  up  the  imitations  in  order  that  the  reality  underlying  them  all 
may  unite  humanity.  When  people  hold  fast  to  that  reality,  that  reaUty 
being  one,  all  shall  be  united  and  agreed.  All  the  religions  then  shall 
summon  people  to  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity;  all  the  religions 
will  summon  people  to  justice;  all  the  divine  religions  will  proclaim  equality 
of  rights;  all  the  divine  religions  will  summon  people  to  the  mercy  of  God; 
all  the  divine  religions  will  admonish  people  to  virtue.  The  foundation 
is  one,  there  is  no  difference  therein.  If  the  essentials  of  religions,  there- 
fore, be  observed,  peace  shall  be  the  result,  and  when  we  study  the  con- 
ditions we  find  that  the  conditions  existing  are  due  only  to  imitations 


84  COMPILATION 

which  have  crept  into  the  rehgions,  and  the  differences  in  the  imitations 
have  caused  these  various  denominations  and  sects. 

And  now  let  us  consider  the  various  people  of  the  world.  They  all 
belong  to  one  kind,  and  let  us  recall  the  fact  that  the  various  nations  of 
the  world,  the  American,  the  English,  the  French,  the  German,  all  the 
continental  nations,  even  the  Turks  and  Persians,  belong  to  the  same  Adam, 
belong  to  the  same  household,  why  should  they  have  dissension?  The 
surface  of  the  earth  is  one  nativity  and  that  nativity  was  intended  for  all. 
God  did  not  place  these  boundaries.  Why  should  a  matter  which  has 
not  been  originally  destined  by  God,  namely,  the  imaginary  boundary 
lines  placed  by  humankind,  be  made  the  bone  of  contention  and  the  cause 
of  differences?  God  has  created  all  humanity;  He  has  provided  for  all; 
He  is  preserving  all,  and  all  are  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  His  mercy. 
Not  a  single  soul  is  deprived.  Now,  inasmuch  as  we  have  such  a  kind 
God,  why  should  we  be  at  war  with  each  other?  Now  that  His  light  is 
shining  upon  all,  why  should  we  cast  some  of  ourselves  into  darkness? 
Inasmuch  as  His  table  is  spread  for  all,  why  should  we  deprive  one  another? 
Now  that  His  effulgence  is  reaching  us  all,  why  shall  we  place  ourselves 
within  darkness?  As  long  as  we  have  a  basis  for  amity,  for  unity,  why 
should  we  deprive  ourselves  thereof?  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  cause 
is  only  ignorance  and  that  the  result  is  perdition.  It  is  a  cause  of  depriv- 
ing humanity  of  the  eternal  favors  of  God,  hence  we  must  forget  all  the 
imaginary  causes  of  difference  and  refer  to  the  very  fundamentals  of  the 
divine  religions  in  order  that  we  may  associate  with  perfect  love  and  accord, 
considering  humankind  as  one  family,  the  surface  of  the  earth  as  one 
nativity  and  all  races  as  belonging  to  one  humankind.  Let  us  live  under 
the  protection  of  God,  attaining  to  the  eternal  happiness  in  this  world 
and  to  the  life  everlasting  in  the  world  to  come. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  4,  pp.  24-26. 

All  the  divine  prophets  are  the  manifestations  of  truth.  His  Highness 
Moses  declared  the  truth.  His  Highness  The  Christ  spread  the  truth. 
His  Highness  Mohammed  established  the  truth.  All  the  elect  of  God 
proclaimed  the  truth.  His  Highness  Baha' o 'Hah  unfurled  the  ensign 
of  truth.  All  the  sanctified  souls  who  have  stepped  into  the  arena  of 
existence  have  been  the  lamps  of  truth. 

Truth  is  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity.  Truth  is  love 
among  the  children  of  men.  Truth  is  the  proclamation  of  justice.  Truth 
is  the  divine  guidance.  Truth  is  the  virtues  and  perfections  of  the  human 
world.  Truth  is  equality  between  all  the  people  of  all  countries.  Truth 
is  the  illumination  of  the  realm  of  man. 

All  the  prophets  of  God  have  been  heralds  of  truth.  All  have  been 
united  and  agreed  on  this  principle.  Every  prophet  predicted  the  coming 
of  a  successor  and  every  successor  acknowledged  the  truth  of  the  pre- 
decessor. His  Highness  Christ  foretold  the  appearance  of  Mohammed, 
and  Mohammed  accepted  the  Christ  and  Moses.  When  all  these  divine 
prophets  were  united  with  each  other,  why  ihould  we  disagree?  We  are 
the  followers  of  those  holy  souls.  In  the  same  manner  that  the  prophets 
loved  each  other,  we  should  follow  their  example,  for  we  are  all  the  servants 


ABDUL  BAHA  85 

of  God,  and  the  bounties  of  the  Almighty  are  encircHng  everyone.  God 
is  in  peace  with  all  His  children,  why  should  we  he  engaged  in  war?  God 
is  kind  to  every  one,  why  should  we  oppress  each  other?  The  foundation 
of  divine  religion  is  love,  affinity  and  concord. 

Praise  God  that  this  cycle  is  the  period  of  illumination!  Minds  have 
made  great  progress;  intelligences  have  been  unfolded;  the  means  of 
unity  and  agreement  are  brought  about;  communication  between  the 
races  of  men  is  rapidly  established.  Now  is  the  time  that  all  of  us  may 
embrace  the  law  of  peace  and  treat  each  other  with  honesty  and  straight- 
forwardness. Let  the  religious  prejudices  be  wiped  away.  Let  the  law 
of  racial  supremacy  be  discontinued.  Let  political  expediencies  be  done 
away  with.  Let  the  love  of  country  be  superseded  by  the  love  of  the 
world.  Let  us  all  deal  with  each  other  with  infinite  kindness.  We  are 
all  the  servants  of  the  one  divine  threshold.  We  are  all  receiving  the 
rays  of  truth  from  the  same  Sun  of  Reality.  We  must  all  believe  in  all 
the  prophets.  We  must  all  acknowledge  the  divine  authority  of  all  the 
heavenly  books.  We  must  wash  our  hearts  free  of  all  human  prejudices. 
We  must  serve  God.  We  must  propagate  the  oneness  of  the  realm  of 
humanity.  We  must  be  the  cause  of  the  appearance  of  the  perfections 
in  the  world  of  man.  We  must  not  be  like  the  beasts  of  prey.  We  must 
not  allow  carnage  and  bloodshed.  We  must  regard  the  blood  of  man  as 
sacred.  We  must  all  agree  upon  one  fundamental  principle.  That  prin- 
ciple is  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity. 

Consider  ye!  What  things  are  transpiring  now  in  Tripoli!  How 
many  fathers  have  become  without  sons !  How  many  little  children  have 
become  fatherless !  How  many  kind  and  affectionate  mothers  are  weeping 
for  the  death  of  their  sons !  How  many  women  are  lamenting  and  mourn- 
ing over  the  cruel  death  of  their  beloved  husbands!  This  sacred  blood 
of  humanity  is  shed  for  a  piece  of  land.  The  beasts  of  prey  never  fight 
for  this  aim.  Every  one  is  contented  in  his  own  place.  The  wolf  is 
satisfied  after  receiving  his  share  of  life.  The  leopard  will  creep  into  his 
own  lair  after  partaking  of  his  food.  The  lion  will  crouch  in  his  own 
jungle.  Not  one  intelligently  or  on  purpose  will  ever  entertain  the  desire 
to  oppress  another. 

Alas!  Alas!  Although  pitiless  man  brings  under  his  dominion  all 
the  nests  of  humanity,  yet  he  aspires  for  more.  On  the  other  hand,  we 
easily  realize  that  God  has  given  to  man  divine  intelligence,  but  he  has 
become  worse  than  the  beasts  of  prey.  The  beasts  of  prey  do  not  tear 
in  pieces  the  members  of  their  own  tribes.  No  matter  how  much  a  wolf 
may  be  a  ferocious  beast  he  cannot  kill  more  than  ten  sheep  in  one  night, 
but  man  is  becoming  the  means  of  destroying  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
his  fellow  beings  in  one  day.  Now,  be  just !  How  can  this  agree  with 
reason?  If  a  man  kills  his  brother  he  is  called  a  murderer;  if  he  crimsons 
the  battlefield  with  the  blood  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  innocent  men, 
he  is  hailed  as  a  great  conqueror.  If  a  man  steals  ten  dollars  from  another 
he  is  considered  to  be  a  guilty  thief,  but  if  he  has  pillaged  a  large  country 
he  will  be  known  in  history  as  a  patriot.  If  he  destroys  with  fire  one  house 
he  is  accused  of  arson,  but  if  he  bombards  a  city  with  the  fire  of  cannon 
he  is  called  a  victorious  being. 


86  COMPILATION 

All  these  events  connote  the  evils  of  human  ignorance,  the  blood- 
thirstiness  of  the  nature  of  man  and  a  lack  of  faith.  For  if  man  believes 
in  divine  justice  he  will  not  consent  to  the  suffering  of  any  soul,  and  he 
will  not  allow  the  shedding  of  one  drop  of  blood;  nay  rather,  he  will  exert 
himself  day  and  night  to  make  one  soul  happy.  Now,  praise  be  to  God, 
the  signs  of  intelligence  are  becoming  manifest  among  the  people  in  some 
parts  of  the  world.  This  is  the  dawning  of  the  day-spring  of  the  Most 
Great  Peace.  This  is  our  hope:  to  spread  the  oneness  of  the  realm  of 
man,  to  destroy  the  foundation  of  hatred  and  animosity  from  among  the 
people,  to  make  manifest  the  greatest  peace,  so  that  the  nations  of  the 
world  may  affiliate  with  each  other  and  all  the  governments  may  strengthen 
between  themselves  the  bonds  of  love  and  unity,  the  International  Court 
of  Arbitration  may  be  established,  and  all  the  world-wide  problems  and 
difficulties  which  arise  between  the  nations  may  be  adjudicated  in  that 
universal  court. 

The  solving  of  these  international  problems  depends  upon  the  increase 
of  the  number  of  the  lovers  of  peace,  thus  those  who  are  devoted  to  the 
greater  friendship  of  nations  may  add  to  their  power  the  public  opinion 
which  revolves  around  the  peace  of  the  world.  Then,  through  the  power- 
ful demonstration  of  the  people  of  peace  and  reconciliation  all  the  nations 
will  be  forced  to  accept  the  doctrine  of  peace. 

Love  is  illumination.  Love  is  the  cause  of  life.  Hatred  is  conducive 
to  death.  Undoubtedly,  wise  men  prefer  life  to  death,  unity  to  discord, 
and  will  endeavor  with  heart  and  soul  that  these  impenetrable  dark  clouds 
may  vanish  and  the  Sun  of  Reality  may  shine  forth;  this  world  may 
become  another  world ;  this  mound  of  earth  may  be  changed  into  a  delect- 
able paradise,  the  east  and  the  west  may  embrace  each  other,  the  north 
and  the  south  may  clasp  hands  of  true  fellowship,  so  that  the  true,  divine 
love  may  become  unveiled  in  the  world  of  man.  For  to  love  man  is  to 
love  God,  and  to  be  kind  to  the  people  is  to  serve  God.  Pray  and  exert 
yourselves  with  heart  and  soul,  so  that  you  may  become  the  means  of 
creating  love  among  the  children  of  men. 

We  hope  that  through  your  efforts  religious,  racial  and  political  preju- 
dices may  pass  away,  and  this  tired  world  may  receive  peace  and  tran- 
quility. You  who  have  children  know,  of  a  fact,  how  beloved  they  are 
to  you.  Those  who  are  bereaved  of  the  meeting  of  their  children  because 
they  are  killed  in  fighting  are  like  unto  you.  Consider,  what  will  be  the 
mental  agitation  of  a  mother  and  a  father  when  they  look  upon  the  body 
of  their  son  steeped  in  blood!  Will  they  have  any  more  hope  in  life.? 
Will  they  have  any  composure,  any  comfort?  Those  people  who  are  now 
in  Tripoli  are  passing  also  through  these  agonies  and  anguishes.  The 
fathers  and  mothers  are  in  a  desperate  mood. 

God  has  created  us  to  be  loving  and  compassionate  toward  each  other, 
and  not  draw  sword  before  each  other's  faces.  We  must  adorn  the  gather- 
ing of  love  and  peace,  and  not  drill  soldiers  for  the  ranks  of  the  army.  We 
must  organize  the  courts  of  justice.  God  has  given  to  us  eyes,  so  that 
we  may  look  upon  each  other  with  the  eyes  of  the  love  of  God.  He  has 
granted  us  hearts,  so  that  we  may  become  attached  to  each  other  and  not 
to  show  enmity  and  rancor.     Consider,  how  God  has  been  good  to  man! 


ABDUL  BAHA  87 

He  has  given  him  understanding,  inteUigence  and  sentiment,  so  that  he 
may  exert  these  divine  faculties  in  the  path  of  love  and  not  in  the  way 
of  harm. 

We  must  supplicate  God  that  He  may  confirm  and  assist  us  to  become 
the  embodiment  of  the  perfections  of  man.  Not  to  extinguish  the  torch 
lighted  by  the  hand  of  majesty;  not  to  stop  the  downpouring  of  the  rain 
of  mercy;  not  to  cut  his  green  and  verdant  trees;  not  to  prevent  the  fall 
of  heavenly  blessings,  but  to  become  confirmed  in  such  wise  as  to  adorn 
the  realm  of  humanity,  to  illumine  the  East  and  the  West,  to  destroy  the 
basis  of  war  and  to  become  the  cause  of  the  affiliation  of  the  hearts. 

This  is  our  hope!  This  is  our  utmost  aspiration!  We  beg  of  God  to 
assist  us  therein.  His  Highness  Baha'o'llah  dawned  from  the  horizon 
of  Persia  and  spread  to  all  parts  of  the  world  the  rays  of  the  "Most  Great 
Guidance."  He  invited  all  to  the  greatest  peace  and  gave  advice  to  all, 
especially  to  Napoleon  the  Third,  who  was  at  that  time  Emperor  of  France. 
For  fifty  years  He  suffered  everything  in  life,  so  that  by  degrees  the  hearts 
became  attracted  to  the  Most  Great  Peace.  Now,  praise  be  to  God, 
this  light  is  continually  spreading  its  benefits,  and  ere  long,  the  banner 
of  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  become  unfurled.  We  will  exert  our- 
selves day  and  night,  so  that  the  world  of  man  may  become  harmonized, 
and  the  sun  of  truth  and  the  rays  of  reality  may  enlighten  the  East  and 
the  West.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  18,  p.  3  (1911). 

*  *  *  All  the  Manifestations  of  God  came  with  the  same  purpose  and 
they  have  all  sought  to  lead  men  into  the  paths  of  virtue.  Yet  we,  their 
servants,  still  dispute  among  ourselves.  Why  is  it  thus?  Why  do  we 
not  love  one  another  and  live  in  unity? 

It  is  because  we  have  shut  our  eyes  to  the  underlying  principle  of  all 
religions:  that  God  is  one;  that  He  is  the  Father  of  us  all;  that  we  are 
all  immersed  in  the  ocean  of  His  mercy  and  sheltered  and  protected  by 
His  loving  care. 

The  glorious  Sun  of  Truth  shines  for  all  alike.  The  waters  of  divine 
mercy  immerse  each  one  and  His  divine  favor  is  bestowed  on  all  His 
children. 

This  loving  God  desires  peace  for  all  His  creatures.  Why  then  do 
they  spend  their  time  in  war?  He  loves  and  protects  all  His  children. 
Why  do  they  forget  Him?  He  bestows  His  fatherly  care  on  us  all.  Why 
do  we  neglect  our  brothers? 

*  *  *  Doctors  of  religion  were  instituted  to  bring  spiritual  healing  to 
the  peoples  and  to  be  the  cause  of  unity  among  the  nations.  If  they 
become  the  cause  of  division  they  had  better  not  exist.  A  remedy  is 
given  to  cure  a  disease,  but  if  it  only  succeeds  in  aggravating  the  com- 
plaint it  is  better  to  leave  it  alone.  If  religion  is  only  to  be  the  cause  of 
disunion  it  had  better  not  exist. 

All  the  divine  Manifestations  sent  by  God  into  the  world  would  have 
gone  through  their  terrible  hardships  and  sufferings  for  the  single  hope 
of  spreading  truth,  unity  and  concord  among  men.  Christ  endured  a 
life  of  sorrow,  pain  and  grief,  to  bring  a  perfect  example  of  love  into  the 


88  COMPILATION 

world,  and  in  spite  of  this  we  continue  to  act  in  a  contrary  spirit  one  towards 
the  other. 

Love  is  the  fundamental  principle  of  God's  purpose  for  man  and  He 
has  commanded  us  to  love  each  other  even  as  He  loves  us.  All  these 
discords  and  disputes  which  we  hear  on  all  sides  only  tend  to  increase 
materiality. 

The  world  for  the  most  part  is  sunk  in  materialism,  and  the  blessings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  ignored.  There  is  so  little  real  spiritual  feeling. 
The  progress  of  the  world  is  for  the  most  part  merely  material.  Men  are 
becoming  like  unto  beasts  that  perish,  for  we  know  that  they  have  no 
spiritual  feeling,  they  do  not  turn  to  God,  they  have  no  religion.  These 
things  belong  to  man  alone,  and  if  he  is  without  them  he  is  a  prisoner  of 
nature  and  no  whit  better  than  an  animal. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  110. 

Now,  today  we  meet  with  people  in  the  world  who,  in  truth,  desire 
the  universal  good,  and  who  according  to  their  power  occupy  themselves 
in  protecting  the  oppressed  and  in  aiding  the  poor:  they  are  enthusiastic 
for  peace  and  the  universal  well-being.  Although  from  this  point  of  view 
they  may  be  perfect,  if  they  are  deprived  of  the  knowledge  and  love  of 
God,  they  are  imperfect. 

Abdul  Baha.     Some  Answered  Questions,  p.  341. 

There  have  been  wars  and  rumors  of  war  amongst  the  people  of  the 
world  for  many  thousand  years;  much  innocent  blood  has  been  shed; 
many  kingdoms  and  empires  have  been  laid  waste,  is  it  not  enough.'* 

*  *  *  Christ  said :  "  If  one  strikes  you  on  the  right  cheek,  turn  to  him  the 
other  also."  Is  there  any  relation  between  this  commandment  and  the 
bloody   events   taking  place   today  .^^ 

The  religious  differences  between  the  Catholics  and  Protestants  have 
caused  a  deluge  of  bloodshed.  What  relation  have  these  events  with  the 
statement  of  Christ  when  He  addressed  Peter:  "Put  thy  sword  into  the 
scabbard"?  When  we  hold  fast  to  the  foundations  of  the  religions  of 
God,  differences  will  be  dispelled. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  126. 

Religion  should  unite  all  hearts,  and  cause  wars  and  disputes  to  vanish 
from  the  face  of  the  earth;  it  should  give  birth  to  spirituality,  and  bring 
life  and  light  to  every  soul.  If  religion  becomes  a  cause  of  dislike,  hatred 
and  division,  it  would  be  better  to  be  without  it,  and  to  withdraw  from 
such  a  religion  would  be  a  truly  religious  act.  For  it  is  clear  that  the 
purpose  of  a  remedy  is  to  cure,  but  if  the  remedy  only  aggravates  the  com- 
plaint it  had  better  be  left  alone.  Any  religion  which  is  not  a  cause  of 
love  and  unity  is  no  religion.  All  the  holy  prophets  were  as  physicians 
to  the  soul.  They  gave  prescriptions  for  the  healing  of  mankind.  Thus 
any  remedy  that  causes  disease  does  not  come  from  the  great  supreme 
Physician.  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  120. 

*  *  *  Today  all  the  nations  of  the  world  are  animated  with  a  warlike 
spirit  and  all  the  governments  of  the  world  are  filling  their  military  store- 


ABDUL  BAHA  89 

houses,  inventing  infernal  machines  and  perfecting  their  man-kiUing 
engines,  so  that  their  martial  powers  may  preponderate  each  other;  espe- 
cially the  continent  of  Europe  has  become  an  arsenal  of  combustible 
materials.  It  needs  only  one  tiny  spark  to  set  that  hell  into  a  world-wide 
explosion.  It  will  be  then  such  a  titanic  conflagration  the  lurid  flames 
shall  blazon  all  the  horizons.  The  anthem  of  universal  peace  has  still 
no  charm  in  their  ears.  Their  universally  accepted  political  axioms  are: 
that  the  greatness  and  prosperity  of  a  nation  depend  on  her  military  and 
naval  powers.  The  more  elaborate  these  preparations,  the  better  pro- 
tected and  secured  the  well-being  and  happiness  of  that  government  and 
nation.  The  kings  and  rulers  of  the  world  are  not  ready  yet  to  acknowl- 
edge that  universal  peace  is  conducive  to  the  life  of  the  world  of  humanity. 
In  a  similar  strain  the  nobles,  the  demagogues  and  those  in  authority 
find  their  glory  and  reputation  in'^naval  and  military  preparedness. 

Consequently,  it  is  impossible  that  economic  contentment  be  realized 
by  the  people  of  the  world  save  through  the  transforming  power  of  faith. 
For  faith  is  the  solver  of  every  problem.  Therefore,  you  must  strive  to 
strengthen  the  foundation  of  the  religion  of  God.  Through  the  power 
of  the  religion  of  God  every  difficulty  will  be  disentangled.  The  power  of 
the  religion  of  God  will  humble  kings  and  set  at  naught  crooked  motives 
of  those  who  are  in  supreme  authority.  Then  endeavor  ye,  that  the  power 
of  true  religion,  which  breathes  the  spirit  of  life  into  the  dead  body  of  the 
world  of  humanity,  may  be  promulgated.  This  is  the  antidote  for  the 
poisoned  body  of  the  world  and  a  quick-healing  remedy  for  the  rancorous 
diseases  of  man.  For  this  reason,  diffuse  thou  as  much  as  thou  art  able 
the  sweet  fragrances  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  teach  the  people  the  divine  advice 
and  exhortations  and  spread  far  and  wide  the  heavenly  teachings.  *  *  * 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Aug.  7,  1914. 

Scientists  tell  us  that  the  world  of  matter  is  made  up  of  constellations 
of  molecules  which  hold  it  in  its  various  forms;  each  molecule  consists 
of  a  similar  constellation  of  atoms  which  in  turn  recent  discovery  shows  is 
made  up  of  tiny  worlds  of  electrons.  Thus  we  see  that  this  law  of  affinity 
is  the  very  basis  of  existence. 

As  in  the  material,  so  in  the  spiritual  world,  love  is  the  attracting  force 
that  welds  together  the  constituent  elements  into  a  composite  unity  and 
holds  them  firm  against  disintegration. 

Love  is  the  cause  of  life,  and  hatred  or  animosity  spells  death  or  dis- 
integration. Just  as  affinity  is  the  fundamental  principle  of  composition, 
the  greater  affinity,  love,  is  the  light  of  unity,  and  the  lack  of  love  is  the 
darkness  of  separateness.  Love  is  conducive  to  existence,  difference  is 
conducive  to  disintegration.  Love  is  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of 
the  whole  of  humanity,  discord  and  dissension  cause  the  destruction  of 
the  human  race. 

All  the  divine  messengers  have  come  to  this  earth  as  specialists  of 
the  law  of  love.  They  came  to  teach  a  divine  love  to  the  children  of  men. 
They  came  to  minister  a  divine  healing  between  the  nations.  They  came 
to  cement  in  one  the  hearts  of  men  and  to  bring  humanity  into  a  state 
of  unity  and  concord.     In  this  pathway  each  one  of  these  divine  Mani- 


90  COMPILATION 

festations  of  God  s  love  has  accepted  innumerable  calamities  and  hard- 
ships. For  the  sake  of  a  realization  of  love  and  concord  amongst  men 
they  have  sacrificed  their  lives.  How  many  persecutions  have  they 
suffered,  so  that  they  might  bring  into  a  state  of  harmony  these  contend- 
ing nations  and  religions;  so  that  they  might  create  peace  and  consolation 
between  these  various  peoples  of  the  earth. 

Let  us  consider  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ:  how  many  trials  He  accepted 
along  this  pathway,  how  many  diflSculties  and  persecutions,  even  giving 
up  His  life.  He  chose  for  Himself  the  cross,  so  that  the  light  of  love  might 
shine  in  the  hearts  of  men  and  the  various  contending  nations  come  into 
a  state  of  affinity  and  love;  so  that  love  might  compass  the  hearts  of 
humanity.     This  was  the  purpose. 

When  a  holy  and  divine  man  shows  us  the  way  and  sacrifices  himself 
like  Jesus  Christ  for  the  sake  of  the  love  and  affinity  amongst  the  children 
of  men,  our  duty  is  plain.  It  is  evident  that  we,  likewise,  must  follow 
in  the  footsteps  of  Jesus  Christ.  We  too  must  be  ready  to  sacrifice  our 
lives,  so  that  this  love  may  live.  We  must  accept  every  hardship,  so 
that  this  love  may  come  to  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Consider  carefully  that  for  the  last  six  thousand  years  there  has  been 
constant  strife  and  warfare  amongst  the  people.  All  the  wars  which 
have  occurred  in  past  history  have  been  the  basis  of  the  destruction  of 
the  human  race.  Love,  on  the  other  hand,  has  been  the  cause  of  cementing 
the  people  together. 

Consider  how  Jesus  Christ  through  the  power  of  His  love  brought  a 
state  of  harmony  between  the  Egyptian  nations,  the  Assyrian  nation  and 
all  the  nations  of  ancient  times.  Such  a  unity  and  concord  was  realized 
amongst  these  various  peoples  that  the  pages  of  history  are  adorned  with 
their  accomplishments,  although  formerly  these  nations  were  in  a  state 
of  constant  strife  and  contention.  Formerly  their  business  was  war,  but 
through  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  unity  became  a  creative  factor. 
The  great  and  wise  men  of  the  world  have  ever  striven  hard,  so  that  the 
hearts  of  humanity  might  be  cemented  together  by  the  heavenly  teachers, 
whose  mission  it  is  to  bring  into  the  world  this  divine  state  of  love. 

The  foundation  of  all  religion  as  taught  by  all  the  divine  'messengers 
has  been  love  and  affinity.  A  hundred  thousand  pities,  alas,  that  the 
divine  message  has  become  the  means  of  warfare  and  strife! 

In  the  Balkans  blood  is  being  freely  and  copiously  shed,  lives  are  being 
destroyed,  houses  are  pillaged,  cities  are  razed  to  the  ground  and  all  this 
through  religious  prejudice,  while  in  reality  the  foundation  of  the  religion 
of  God  is  love.  All  the  divines  and  holy  Manifestations  invite  the  exercise 
of  love. 

*  *  *  At  a  time  when,  in  the  Orient,  there  existed  the  utmost  state 
of  strife  and  sedition,  warfare  raged  between  the  nations;  warfare  raged 
between  the  religions  and  between  the  various  sects;  darkness  encompassed 
the  horizon  of  the  Orient  and  each  religion  asserted  its  claim  over  the 
other  —  at  such  a  time,  under  such  circumstances,  His  Holiness  Baha- 
'o'llah  shone  from  the  horizon  of  the  East.  He  declared  that  the  reahty 
of  all  religions  is  one,  that  all  religions  have  the  same  foundation  for  their 
teaching.     He  taught  men  that  the  foundation  of  the  religion  of  God  is 


ABDUL  BAHA  91 

love.  Alas,  that  they  should  have  entirely  forgotten  this  foundation! 
They  have  created  blind  dogmas  and  as  these  blind  dogmas  develop  we 
observe  constant  bloodshed  and  strife. 

If  all  the  religions  and  sects  were  to  quit  themselves  from  all  past 
limitations  and  search  diligently  for  the  foundation,  there  would  follow 
unity  and  concord,  these  terrible  events  would  not  happen,  bloodshed 
would  cease  and  hatred  between  the  hearts  of  men  would  be  dispelled; 
heavenly  illumination  would  dawn,  divine  love  would  be  created,  the 
efforts  of  the  divine  teachers  would  be  held  and  would  yield  results ;  hearts 
would  be  knit  together,  the  basis  of  strife  and  quarrel  would  be  forgotten, 
divine  jhstice  would  be  revealed  and  divine  radiance  diffused. 

In  order  that  the  darkness  of  strife  and  sedition  might  be  entirely 
banished  from  the  human  world.  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  established 
or  taught  certain  declarations  or  principles.  The  first  principle  which 
He  proclaimed  was  that  of  the  oneness  of  the  human  family.  He  said: 
"Humanity  constitutes  the  sheep  of  God's  flock.  The  real  shepherd  is 
God."  The  real  shepherd  is  compassionate  and  kind  towards  all  the 
members  of  His  flock.  Humanity  was  created  by  God;  He  provides  for 
all,  protects  all;  He  is  kind  to  all;  why  should  we  treat  each  other  harshly? 
He  has  made  a  plea  for  love,  not  for  difference,  or  hatred  or  animosity.  *  *  * 

The  paramount  declaration  of  Baha'o'llah  is  that  peace  must  be 
realized  between  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  International  tribunals  will 
be  established  and  certain  representatives  from  amongst  all  the  govern- 
ments of  the  earth  will  be  sent  to  that  interparliamentary  gathering. 
The  era  of  the  parliament  of  man  will  be  ushered  in.  This  international 
tribunal  will  be  the  court  of  appeals  between  the  nations.  Fifty  years 
ago  Baha'  o  'llah  wrote  to  all  the  rulers  of  the  world  about  this  international 
tribunal   of   arbitral  justice. 

These  are  some  of  the  teachings  in  the  religion  of  Baha'o'llah.  *  *  * 
I  will  just  add  that  it  is  my  hope  that  during  these  days  in  which  this  Peace 
Conference  is  discussing  negotiations  for  terms  of  peace,  you  will  strive 
to  the  utmost  that  peace  measures  and  peaceful  negotiations  may  be 
carried  on  among  them.  I  am  very  pleased  that  I  am  living  in  London 
in  these  days.  I  supplicate  that  the  Conference  may  be  crowned  with 
success,  so  that  peace  may  be  established  in  the  Balkans;  so  that  this 
bloodshed  may  cease;  so  that  this  Conference  may  become  a  working 
basis  for  the  future  international  peace.  May  all  the  nations  and  all 
the  countries  of  the  world  strive  with  us,  that  in  the  future  there  may  be 
no  war  and  no  bloodshed. 

As  the  English  government  is  a  just  government  and  as  the  British 
nation  is  a  noble  nation  and  accomplishes  whatever  it  undertakes,  it  is 
my  hope  that  in  this  matter  it  will  manifest  the  utmost  wisdom  and  sagac- 
ity, so  that  the  sun  of  peace  may  dawn  on  the  horizon  of  the  Balkans,  so 
that  eternal  fellowship  may  be  realized  between  them,  and  whenever  in 
the  future  there  is  any  difficult  problem  a  conference  may  be  called  for 
its  settlement;  so  that  through  these  various  conferences  all  the  troubles 
of  humanity  may  be  solved. 

May  there  remain  no  more  war  and  strife.  May  tranquility  dawn  on  the 
world  of  humanity  expressive  of  the  world  of  light,  so  that  this  nether 


92  COMPILATION 

world  may  be  transformed  by  love  and  concord  and  may  become  the  tore- 
taste  of  the  other  kingdom.  Then  all  humanity  will  be  sheltered  under 
the  shadow  of  the  Almighty.  This  is  my  hope,  this  is  the  highest  desire 
of  my  life  day  and  night.  I  pray  and  I  beg  confirmations  from  God  for 
this  government,  that  this  nation  may  be  assisted  to  hold  aloft  the  banner 
of  international  peace.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  17,  p.  6. 

In  the  world  of  creation  there  is  one  nature  common  to  all  things. 
When  we  study  the  nature  of  things  we  perceive  that  they  are  either 
essentially  as  light  or  darkness;  either  fruitful  or  unfruitful,  useful  or 
useless,  perfect  or  imperfect,  until  we  come  to  man.  We  find  that  the 
human  essence  is  endowed  with  two  natures,  the  earthly  and  the  heavenly, 
being  respectively  the  animal  and  the  human,  the  satanic  and  the  angelic, 
the  manifestation  of  perfection  and  imperfection,  the  weakness  of  the 
body  and  the  strength  of  the  spirit. 

The  animal  imperfections  are  as  darkness,  while  the  human  virtues 
are  as  light.  If  the  satanic  imperfection  overcomes,  the  darkness  will 
prevail,  but  if  the  contrary  the  perfect  life  will  be  attained. 

The  divine  Manifestations  are  sent  and  manifested  to  train  the  souls 
of  men  in  such  wise  that  the  divine  qualities  may  overcome  and  the  heav- 
enly light  shine  universally;  that  the  virtues  of  humanity  may  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  vices  through  the  confirmation  of  the  spirit  and  their 
spiritual  qualities  become  manifest.  The  righteous  people  are  spiritual 
educators  and  trainers,  and  their  effective  power  is  love. 

Love  is  the  real  magnet  which  attracts  the  hearts  and  souls  of  men 
and  consequently  the  purpose  of  the  Manifestations  of  God  is  to  radiate 
the  light  of  love  from  their  hearts.     That  is  why  Jesus  said  "I  am  love." 

Thus  it  becomes  known  that  the  highest  human  station,  the  chief 
virtue,  the  cause  of  the  greatest  progress  and  prosperity  which  humanity 
can  attain,  the  divine  perfection  of  the  human  race,  is  love,  which  is  the 
greatest  favor  of  the  majestic  One.  This  is  the  divine  light,  the  eternal 
life.  All  the  divine  Manifestations  and  prophets  taught  this  truth  and 
the  purpose  of  all  of  them  was  love. 

Abraham  was  the  servant  of  this  Cause;  Jesus  Christ  sacrificed  him- 
self for  it;  Mohammed  the  prophet  promulgated  this  teaching;  His 
Highness  the  Bab  lighted  this  candlestick;  His  Holiness  Baha' o 'Hah 
manifested  this  brilliant  star.  This  is  the  original  purpose,  the  essential 
part  of  the  Cause,  the  reality  of  the  teachings  of  God.  Therefore,  we 
who  are  the  servants  of  His  threshold  must  exert  our  utmost  power, 
devote  our  lives,  offer  them  as  a  ransom  if  necessary  and  give  our  time 
and  all  we  have  to  this  Cause,  until  this  light  be  spread  all  over  the  world 
and  this  brilliant  star  shines  from  the  dawning  place  of  humanity. 

Accordingly  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  (Glory  be  to  Him!)  has  said: 
"All  are  fruits  of  one  tree  and  leaves  of  one  branch."  Therefore,  it  be- 
hooves us  to  ignore  discord,  purify  our  hearts  and  consort  with  all  people 
with  fragrance  and  spirituality  till  fighting  and  quarreling,  war  and  dual- 
ism be,  through  the  providence  of  God,  removed  from  the  nations;  concord 
and  agreement  be  the  light  of  union;  truthfulness  and  tranquility  be  spread 
among  the  people,  and  the  world  of  humanity  become  as  one  person.  *  *  * 
Abdul  Baha.  "Utterances  to  Two  Young  Men,"  Nov.  and  Dec,  1901,  p.4. 


ABDUL  BAHA  93 

COORDINATION,  CORRESPONDENCE,  COOPERATION 

God's  creation  is  perfect.  Every  part  of  the  universe  has  its  con- 
nection with  every  other  part,  according  to  a  divine  system. 

We  compare  the  body  of  the  universe  with  the  body  of  man.  The 
members  of  the  body  of  man  are  closely  connected;  so,  also,  are  the  parts 
of  the  great  universe.  *  *  *  All  the  created  beings  are  connected  with 
each  other  and  all  occurrences  and  events  are  indicative  of  the  require- 
ments of  this  connection  and  interrelation. 

In  the  body  of  man  all  the  members  and  parts  are  interdependent. 
For  example,  the  heart  feels  the  things  seen  by  the  eye,  the  ear  hears 
and  the  soul  is  thereby  moved,  the  nostrils  inhale  a  sweet  odor  «nd  the 
whole  body  is  delighted.  This  is  a  proof  that  all  the  parts  of  the  body 
of  man  are  interrelated.  This  is  according  to  a  divine  plan,  and  it  is  also 
evident  that  there  is  a  great  wisdom  therein.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  Events  like  these  (the  Alabama  flood,  the  San  Francisco  earth- 
quake, etc.)  happen  because  of  the  connection  between  the  parts  of  the 
universe,  for  every  small  part  has  connection  with  every  great  part,  and 
what  affects  one  affects  the  other  or  all  the  others. 

On  account  of  this  connection,  the  actions  of  man  have  effect.  When- 
ever a  promise  is  broken  it  causes  a  commotion.  For  instance,  suppose 
two  nations  have  a  disagreement:  it  is  a  difference  in  ideas  only  and  not  a 
physical  thing;  not  anything  we  can  touch  or  see,  yet  this  disagreement 
has  a  physical  effect.  It  causes  war  and  thousands  of  men  are  cut  in 
pieces.  So,  when  man  breaks  his  promise  to  God,  in  other  words,  when  he 
"violates  the  Covenant,"  the  effect  is  physical  and  calamities  appear.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Daily  Lessons,  pp.  24-26. 

*  *  *  Between  the  material  things  and  spiritual  things  there  is  con- 
nection. The  more  healthful  the  body  the  greater  will  be  the  power  of 
the  spirit  in  man;  the  power  of  the  intellect,  the  power  of  the  memory, 
the  power  of  reflection,  will  be  greater. 

This  world  is  like  the  body.  The  Cause  of  God,  the  confirmation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  the  divine  bounties,  the  spiritual  power,  are  like  the  spirit. 

The  physical  body  of  man  when  in  the  condition  of  seed  has  not  the 
capacity  to  show  forth  spiritual  powers  perfectly.  When  it  is  born  its 
capacity  will  be  greater  and  its  spiritual  power  more.  *  *  *  When  it 
reaches  maturity,  then  the  spiritual  power  will  appear  perfect.  So  the 
perfection  of  the  body  is  the  means  for  the  expression  of  the  power  of  the 
spirit. 

Therefore,  when  we  look  at  the  world  we  see  that  physical  matters, 
material  things,  have  made  great  development  and  great  advancement; 
it  cannot  be  compared  with  the  past  centuries.  The  present  century  is 
in  great  beauty  and  appearance,  civilization  is  advanced,  science  also; 
industries  and  discoveries  have  reached  the  highest  station,  to  such  a 
degree  that  it  is  going  to  reach  the  station  of  maturity.  In  the  former 
centuries  it  was  like  the  babe  at  the  breast.  The  longer  the  body  lives 
the  stronger  the  spiritual  power. 

Likewise  the  physical  world  has  made  a  great  advance  and  is  near 
maturity.     So,  also,  with  the  Cause  of  God;   the  Holy  Spirit  will  appear 


94  COMPILATION 

with  great  power  and  the  Word  of  God  will  have  a  great  effect. 

All  the  prophets,  and  especially  Christ,  wished  to  deliver  the  world, 
they  wanted  to  establish  the  great  peace  and  spread  perfect  love  among 
the  people,  so  that  the  whole  world  would  become  like  an  ocean  and  the 
people  like  unto  waves;  that  all  would  become  waves  of  the  same  sea 
and  through  this  the  uniting  of  the  world  would  appear. 

This  world  had  not  this  capacity  in  ancient  times,  because  it  was  like 
the  babe  at  the  breast.  Now  there  is  capacity,  because  this  is  the  time 
of  maturity  and  it  is  possible  that  the  divine  teachings,  exhortations,  con- 
firmations, bounties  and  spiritual  laws  of  God  appear  in  perfection  now, 

,  Abdul  Bah  a.    Table  Talks  at  Acca,  p.  5. 

In  all  the  world  of  creation  all  the  existent  beings  are  in  the  utmost 
connection.  Through  this  connection  mutual  helpfulness  and  coopera- 
tion is  realized.  This  mutual  helpfulness  and  co-operation  is  the  origin 
of  the  conservation  of  the  forces  of  life.  If  for  one  instant  this  mutual 
helpfulness  and  cooperation  were  cut  off  from  the  sources  and  realities 
of  things  all  the  existent  beings  and  things  would  be  thrown  into  confusion 
and  chaos  and  be  reduced  to  nothingness  and  annihilation. 

For  instance:  From  the  breath  of  the  animals  a  watery  element  called 
hydrogen  and  carbon  is  exhaled  and  this  is  the  life  principle  of  the  vege- 
table kingdom.  From  the  vegetable  kingdom  and  the  trees  a  fiery  element 
called  oxygen  is  emitted  and  this  becomes  the  cause  of  the  maintenance 
of  the  life  of  the  animal  kingdom.  In  such  a  manner  mutual  helpfulness 
and  cooperation  is  realized  continually  between  all  the  existent  beings. 

Likewise,  the  greatest  interrelation  and  communication  exists  between 
the  sons  of  men,  without  which  peace,  life  and  existence  is  entirely  im- 
possible. For  a  soul  independent  of  all  the  other  souls  and  without 
receiving  assistance  from  other  sources  cannot  live  for  the  twinkling  of 
an  eye;  nay  rather,  he  will  become  non-existent  and  reduced  to  nothing- 
ness; especially  among  the  believers  of  God  between  whom  material  and 
spiritual  communication  is  developed  up  to  the  highest  point  of  perfection. 

It  is  this  real  communication,  the  essential  necessity  and  requirement 
of  which  is :  mutual  helpfulness,  cooperation  and  confirmation.  Without 
the  complete  establishment  of  this  divine  principle  in  the  hearts  of  the 
friends  of  God  nothing  can  be  accomplished,  for  they  are  the  hyacinths 
of  one  garden,  the  waves  of  one  sea,  the  stars  of  one  heaven  and  the  rays 
of  one  sun.  From  every  standpoint,  the  essential  unity,  the  luminous 
unity,  the  religious  unity  and  the  material  unity  are  founded  and  organ- 
ized between  them.  *  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  145. 


ONENESS  OF  HUMANITY 

*  *  *  The  doctrine  of  "human  solidarity"  is  well  developed  in  the 
teachings  of  Baha'o'llah.  Human  solidarity  is  greater  than  equality. 
Equality  is  obtained  more  or  less  through  force  or  legislation,  but  human 
solidarity  is  realized  through  the  exercise  of  free  will.  The  virtue  of  man 
made  manifest  through  voluntary  philanthropy  based  upon  the  idea  of 
human  solidarity  is  as  follows: 


ABDUL  BAHA  95 

Rich  men  give  to  the  poor;  that  is  they  assist  the  poor,  but  by  their 
own  desire.  It  is  not  well  that  the  poor  should  coerce  the  rich  to  contribute 
to  them.  Such  coercion  would  be  followed  by  disintegration  and  the 
organization  of  the  affairs  of  society  would  be  disturbed. 

The  idea  of  human  solidarity,  based  upon  mutual  help  and  under- 
standing would  lead  to  peace  and  comfort  of  the  world  of  humanity,  would 
be  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  means 
of  prosperity  and  glory  of  the  world.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet,  Jan.  10,  1913,  London. 

*  *  *  Forget  self  and  work  for  the  whole  race.  Remember  always 
that  one  is  working  for  the  world,  not  for  a  town  or  even  for  a  country; 
because,  as  all  are  brethren,  so  every  country  is,  as  it  were,  one's  own. 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  131. 

If  the  oneness  of  the  human  world  were  effected  all  the  differences 
which  separate  mankind  would  be  eradicated,  all  strife  and  warfare  would 
cease  and  the  world  of  humanity  would  find  repose;  universal  peace  would 
be  promoted  and  the  East  and  West  would  be  conjoined  in  a  strong  bond; 
all  men  would  be  sheltered  beneath  one  tabernacle,  all  nativities  would 
become  one,  all  races  and  religions  be  unified,  the  people  of  the  world  would 
live  together  in  peace  and  their  well-being  would  be  assured. 

From  the  beginning  of  human  history  down  to  the  present  time  the 
various  religions  of  the  world  have  anathematized  and  accused  one  another 
of  falsity.  Each  religion  has  considered  the  others  bereft  of  the  face  of 
God,  rejected  of  God  and  in  the  direct  line  of  divine  wrath.  Therefore, 
they  have  shunned  one  another  most  rigidly,  exercising  mutual  animosity 
and  rancor.  Consider  the  record  of  religious  warfare :  the  battles  between 
nations,  the  bloodshed  and  destruction  in  the  name  of  religion.  One  of 
the  greatest  religious  wars,  the  Crusades,  extended  over  a  period  of  two 
hundred  years.  In  this  succession  of  great  campaigns  the  Western  Cru- 
saders were  constantly  invading  the  Orient  bent  upon  recovering  the  Holy 
City  from  the  hands  of  the  Islamic  people.  Army  after  army  raised  in 
Europe  poured  its  fanatical  legions  into  the  East.  The  kings  of  European 
nations  personally  led  these  Crusades,  killing  and  shedding  the  blood  of 
the  orientals. 

During  this  period  of  two  hundred  years  the  East  and  West  were  in  a 
state  of  violence  and  commotion.  Sometimes  the  Crusaders  were  success- 
ful, killing,  pillaging  and  taking  captive  the  Mohammedan  people;  some- 
times the  Mussulmans  were  victorious,  inflicting  bloodshed  and  ruin  in 
turn  upon  the  invaders.  So  it  continued  for  two  centuries  alternately 
fighting  with  fury  and  relaxing  from  weakness  until  the  European  religion- 
ists withdrew  from  the  East,  leaving  ashes  of  desolation  behind  them  and 
finding  their  own  nations  in  a  condition  of  turbulence  and  upheaval. 

For  hundreds  of  thousands  of  human  beings  have  been  killed,  and 
untold  wealth  wasted  in  fruitless  warfare.  How  many  fathers  mourned 
the  loss  of  their  sons!  How  many  mothers  and  wives  bemoaned  the 
absence  of  their  dear  ones!  Yet  this  was  only  one  of  the  "holy  wars." 
Consider  and  reflect! 


96  COMPILATION 

Religious  wars  have  been  many.  Nine  hundred  thousand  martyrdoms 
to  the  Protestant  Cause  was  the  record  of  conflict  and  difference  between 
that  sect  of  Christians  and  the  Cathohcs.  Consult  history  and  confirm 
this.  How  many  languished  in  prisons!  How  merciless  the  treatment 
of  captives!  All  in  the  name  of  religion!  Consider  and  estimate  the 
outcome  of  other  wars  between  the  people  and  sects  of  religious  belief. 

From  the  beginning  of  human  history  down  to  this  time  the  world  of 
humanity  has  not  enjoyed  a  day  of  absolute  rest  and  relaxation  from 
conflict  and  strife.  Most  of  the  wars  have  been  caused  by  religious 
prejudice,  fanaticism  and  sectarian  hatred.  Religionists  have  anathe- 
matized religionists,  each  considering  the  other  as  the  children  of  satan, 
deprived  of  the  mercy  of  God,  and  abiding  in  gross  darkness. 

For  example,  the  Christians  and  Mohammedans  considered  the  Jews 
as  Satanic  and  the  enemies  of  God.  Therefore,  they  cursed  and  persecuted 
them.  Great  numbers  of  Jews  were  killed,  their  houses  burned  and  pil- 
laged, their  children  carried  into  captivity.  The  Jews  in  turn  regarded 
the  Christians  as  infidels,  and  the  Mohammedans  as  enemies  and  destroyers 
of  the  law  of  Moses;  therefore,  they  call  down  vengeance  upon  them  and 
curse  them  even  to  this  day. 

Consider  what  injuries,  ordeals  and  calamities  have  been  inflicted  by 
humanity  since  the  beginning  of  history.  Every  city,  country,  nation  and 
people  has  been  subjected  to  the  destruction  and  havoc  of  war.  Each  one 
of  the  divine  religions  considers  itself  as  belonging  to  the  goodly  and 
blessed  tree,  the  tree  of  the  Merciful,  and  other  religious  systems  as  belong- 
ing to  a  tree  of  evil,  the  tree  of  satan.  For  this  reason  they  heap  execration 
and  abuse  upon  one  another.  This  is  clearly  apparent  in  books  of  his- 
torical record,  and  prevailed  until  the  time  of  the  appearance  of  His  Holi- 
ness   Baha'o'llah. 

When  the  light  of  Baha'o'llah  dawned  from  the  East,  He  proclaimed 
the  promise  of  the  oneness  of  humanity.  He  addressed  all  mankind, 
saying:  "Ye  are  all  the  fruits  of  one  tree.  There  are  not  two  trees,  one 
a  tree  of  divine  mercy,  the  other  the  tree  of  satan."  Again  He  said:  "Ye 
are  all  the  fruits  of  one  tree,  the  leaves  of  one  branch."  This  was  His 
announcement;  this  was  His  promise  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  human- 
ity.    Anathema  and  execration  were  utterly  abrogated. 

He  said:  "It  is  not  becoming  in  man  to  curse  another;  it  is  not  be- 
fitting that  man  should  attribute  darkness  to  another;  it  is  not  meet  that 
one  human  being  should  ever  consider  another  human  being  as  bad.  Nay 
rather,  all  mankind  are  the  servants  of  one  God;  God  is  the  Father  of  all, 
there  is  not  a  single  exception  to  that  law.  There  are  no  people  of  satan; 
all  belong  to  the  Merciful.  There  is  no  darkness;  all  is  light.  All  are  the 
servants  of  God,  and  man  must  love  all  humanity  from  his  heart.  He 
must,  verily,  behold  all  humanity  as  submerged  in  the  divine  mercy. 

Baha'o'llah  has  made  no  exception  to  this  rule.  He  said  that  among 
mankind  there  may  be  those  who  are  ignorant,  they  must  be  trained.  Some 
are  sick,  they  must  be  treated.  Some  are  immature,  they  must  be  helped 
to  attain  maturity.  In  all  respects  all  humanity  is  submerged  in  the  ocean 
of  divine  mercy.  God  is  the  Father  of  all.  He  educates  all.  He  provides 
for  all.    He  loves  all,  for  they  are  all  His  servants  and  His  creation.     Surely 


ABDUL  BAHA  97 

the  Creator  loves  His  creatures.  It  would  be  impossible  to  find  an  artist 
who  does  not  love  his  owti  production.  Have  you  ever  seen  a  man  who 
did  not  love  his  own  actions?  Even  though  tliey  be  bad  actions  he  loves 
them.  How  ignorant  therefore,  the  thought  that  God  who  created  man, 
educated  and  nurtured  him,  surrounded  him  with  all  blessings,  made  the 
sun  and  all  phenomenal  existence  for  his  benefit,  bestowed  upon  him  tender- 
ness and  kindness  and  then  did  not  love  him.  This  is  palpable  ignorance, 
for  no  matter  to  what  religion  a  man  belongs,  even  though  he  be  an  atheist 
or  materialist,  nevertheless  God  nurtures  him,  bestows  His  kindness  and 
sheds  upon  him  His  light.  How  then  can  we  believe  God  is  inimical  and 
unloving?  How  can  we  even  imagine  this  when  as  a  matter  of  fact  we  are 
witnesses  of  the  tenderness  and  mercy  of  God  upon  every  hand.  All  about 
us  we  behold  manifestations  of  the  love  of  God.  If  therefore,  God  be  loving, 
what  should  we  do?  We  have  nothing  else  to  do  but  emulate  Him.  Just 
as  God  loves  all  and  is  kind  to  all,  so  must  we  really  love  and  be  kind  to 
everybody.  *  *  * 

We  must  strive  day  and  night  that  love  and  amity  may  increase;  that 
this  bond  of  unity  may  be  strengthened;  that  joy  and  happiness  may  more 
and  more  prevail;  that  in  unity  and  solidarity  all  mankind  may  gather 
beneath  the  shadow  of  God;  that  people  may  turn  to  God  for  their  sus- 
tenance, finding  in  Him  the  life  that  is  everlasting.  Thus  may  they  be 
confirmed  in  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  live  forever  through  His  grace  and 
bounty.  *  *  * 

When  we  observe  the  phenomena  of  the  universe  we  realize  the  axis 
around  which  life  revolves  is  love,  while  the  axis  around  which  death  and 
destruction  revolve  is  animosity  and  hatred. 

*  *  *  The  stone  is  made  up  of  single  elements.  A  bond  of  attraction 
has  brought  them  together  and  thru  this  cohesion  of  ingredients  this  petrous 
object  has  been  formed.  The  stone  is  the  lowest  degree  of  phenomena,  but 
nevertheless  within  it  a  power  of  attraction  is  manifest  without  which  the 
stone  could  not  exist.  This  power  of  attraction  in  the  mineral  world  is 
love,  —  the  only  expression  of  love  the  stone  can  manifest. 

Look  now  upon  the  next  higher  stage  of  life:  the  vegetable  kingdom. 
Here  we  see  the  plant  is  the  result  of  cohesion  among  various  elements, 
just  as  the  mineral  in  its  kingdom.  But  furthermore  the  plant  has  the 
power  of  absorption  from  the  earth.  This  is  a  higher  degree  of  attraction 
which  differentiates  the  plant  from  the  mineral.  In  the  kingdom  of  the 
vegetable  this  is  an  expression  of  love  —  the  highest  capacity  of  expression 
the  vegetable  possesses.  By  this  power  of  attraction  or  augmentation  the 
plant  grows  day  by  day.  In  this  kingdom  also  love  is  the  cause  of  Ufe.  If 
repulsion  existed  among  the  elements  instead  of  attraction  the  result  would 
be  disintegration,  destruction  and  non-existence.  *  *  * 

Then  we  come  to  the  animal  world,  which  is  still  higher  in  degree  than 
the  vegetable  kingdom.  In  it  the  power  of  love  makes  itself  still  more 
manifest.  The  light  of  love  is  more  resplendent  in  the  animal  kingdom,  be- 
cause the  power  of  attraction  whereby  elements  cohere  and  cellular  atoms 
commingle,  now  reveals  itself  in  certain  emotions  and  sensibilities  which 
produce  instinctive  fellowship  and  association .  The  animals  are  imbued  with 
kindness  and  affinity  which  manifests  itself  among  those  of  the  same  species. 


98  COMPILATION 

Finally  we  reach  the  kingdom  of  man.  Here  we  find  that  all  the  de- 
grees of  the  mineral,  vegetable  and  animal  expressions  of  love  are  present 
plus  unmistakable  attractions  of  the  conscience.  That  is  to  say,  man  is 
the  possessor  of  a  degree  of  attraction  which  is  conscious  and  spiritual. 
He  is  an  immeasurable  advance.  In  the  human  kingdom  spiritual  sus- 
ceptibilities come  into  view,  love  exercises  its  superlative  degree,  and  this 
is  the  cause  of  human  life. 

The  proof  is  clear  that  in  all  degrees  and  kingdoms  luiity  and  agree- 
ment, love  and  fellowship  are  the  cause  of  life,  whereas  dissension,  ani- 
mosity and  separation  are  ever  conducive  to  death.  Therefore,  we  must 
strive  with  life  and  soul  in  order  that,  day  by  day,  unity  and  agreement  may 
be  increased  among  humanity  and  that  love  and  affinity  may  become  more 
resplendently  glorious  and  manifest. 

In  the  animal  kingdom  you  will  observe  that  domestic  species  live  to- 
gether in  the  utmost  fellowship.  See  how  sociably  sheep  gather  together 
in  a  flock.  Look  at  the  doves  and  other  domestic  birds.  There  is  no 
sectarianism  among  them,  no  separation  due  to  notions  of  patriotism. 
They  live  together  in  the  utmost  love  and  unity,  flying,  feeding,  associating. 
Ferocious  animals,  beasts  of  prey  such  as  the  wolf,  bear,  tiger  and  hyena 
are  never  amiable  and  do  not  associate  together.  They  attack  one  another. 
Whenever  they  meet  they  fight.  Three  wolves  are  never  seen  associating 
happily.  If  you  see  them  together  it  is  for  some  ferocious  intent.  They 
are  like  selfish  brutal  men  who  are  inimical,  cursing  and  killing  one  another. 
Better  that  man  should  resemble  the  domestic  animals  than  the  ferocious 
beasts  of  prey,  for  in  the  estimation  of  God  love  is  acceptable,  whereas 
hatred  and  animosity  are  rejected.  Why  should  we  act  contrary  to  the 
good  pleasure  of  God?  Why  should  we  be  as  ferocious  animals,  constantly 
shedding  blood,  pillaging  and  destroying?  Because  we  belong  to  one  race 
or  family  of  humankind  why  should  we  consider  all  others  bad  and  in- 
ferior, deserving  of  death,  pillage  and  invasion,  worthy  of  hatred  and 
detestation  by  God,  —  people  of  darkness?  Why  does  man  show  forth 
such  attitude  and  actions  toward  his  fellowmen !  We  see  that  God  is  kind 
to  all.  Just  as  He  loves  us  He  loves  all  others,  just  as  He  provides  for  us 
He  provides  for  the  rest.     He  nurtures  and  trains  all  with  equal  solicitude. 

God  is  great,  God  is  kind.  He  does  not  behold  human  shortcomings. 
He  does  not  regard  human  weaknesses.  Man  is  a  creature  of  His  mercy 
and  to  His  mercy  He  summons  all.  Why  then  should  we  despise  or  detest 
His  creatures  because  this  one  is  a  Jew,  another  a  Buddhist  or  Zoroastrian 
and  so  on?  This  is  ignorance;  for  the  oneness  of  humanity  as  servants  of 
God  is  an  assured  and  certain  fact. 

Baha'o'llah  has  proclaimed  the  promise  of  the  oneness  of  humanity. 
Therefore,  we  must  exercise  the  utmost  love  toward  one  another.  We 
must  be  loving  to  all  the  people  of  the  world.  We  must  not  consider  any 
people  the  people  of  satan,  but  know  and  recognize  all  as  the  servants  of 
one  God.  At  most  it  is  this:  some  do  not  know,  they  must  be  guided  and 
trained,  they  must  be  taught  humanitarianism  and  encouraged  in  the 
acquisition  of  virtues.  Some  are  ignorant,  they  must  be  informed.  Some 
are  as  children,  undeveloped,  they  must  be  helped  to  reach  maturity. 
Some  are  ailing,  their  moral  condition  is  bad,  they  must  be  treated  until 


ABDUL  BAHA  99 

their  morals  are  purified.  But  the  sick  man  is  not  to  be  hated  because  he 
is  sick,  the  child  must  not  be  shunned  because  he  is  a  child,  the  ignorant 
one  is  not  to  be  despised  because  he  lacks  knowledge.  They  must  be 
treated,  educated,  trained  and  assisted  in  love.  Everything  must  be  done 
in  order  that  all  humanity  may  live  under  the  shadow  of  God  in  the  ut- 
most security,  in  happiness  of  the  highest  type. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  8,  p.  76. 

The  Persian,  Austrian,  German,  French,  Italian  and  English  speaking 
people  belong  to  one  common  stock  of  the  Aryan  race. 

Originally  this  sturdy  race  lived  along  the  Ganges  river.  They  grew 
rapidly  in  numbers  and  strength.  Having  become  too  numerous  some 
migrated  to  the  Plateau  of  Iran  (Persia).  From  the  table-lands  of  Iran  a 
second  migration  was  set  in  motion  towards  Assyria.  After  many  ages 
of  experience  the  third  migration  started  westward.  Then  a  stream  of 
migrations  at  various  periods  flowed  towards  Europe,  each  tribe  utilizing 
a  portion  of  the  land.  Lack  of  intercourse  and  communication  created 
differences  of  language  and  custom,  and  little  by  little  they  became  es- 
tranged from  each  other.  Now  my  hope  is  that  just  as  originally  these 
various  nations  belonged  to  one  family,  they  may  again  return  to  their 
primal  unity. 

Abdul  Baha.  Extract  from  a  Talk  given  in  Vienna,  Austria,  April 
20,  1913. 

Tonight  I  am  exceedingly  happy  to  find  myself  in  an  assembly  the 
members  of  which  are  a  recognized  factor  in  philanthropy  and  well-being. 
Therefore,  I  supplicate  at  the  throne  of  God  that  He  may  bestow  divine 
confirmations  upon  you,  that  at  all  times  you  may  be  the  vehicle  of  divine 
mercy  and  the  means  of  prosperity  to  the  individual  members  of  the  world 
of  humanity. 

Man  should  endeavor  always  to  realize  the  oneness  of  humanity.  We 
are  all  the  children  of  God;  all  created  by  God;  all  provided  for  by  God 
and  all  under  the  protection  of  God.  God  is  kind  to  all  His  children. 
^Vhy  should  they  wage  war  between  themselves?  God  is  the  real  shepherd 
all  are  His  sheep.  There  is  no  difference  whatever  among  the  members  of 
the  flock.  He  educates  all  of  us;  is  compassionate  to  all  of  us.  protects 
all  of  us.  Ponder  and  you  will  understand  that  with  the  bounties  of  God 
there  is  no  restraint.  His  grace  encompasses  all  mankind.  All  live  under 
His  bounty. 

What  benefit  do  we  ever  draw  from  separating  ourselves  one  from 
another?  Why  should  we  wrangle  and  battle  to  kill  each  other?  God 
is  kind.     Why  are  we  unkind? 

The  first  separating  principle  is  religion.  Every  sect  and  community 
has  gathered  around  itself  certain  imitations  of  reality  in  ceremonies  and 
forms,  and  as  these  imitations  differ,  contentions  follow.  Each  division 
is  encompassed  with  thick  clouds  through  which  the  Sun  of  Reality  cannot 
penetrate.  If  these  divisions  should  forget  the  differences  in  imitations 
and  seek  for  the  underlying  reality,  all  would  be  united  and  agreed  and 
fellowship  would  be  established  between  the  orga  nizations  of  mankind. 


100  COMPILATION 

As  His  Holiness  Mohammed  states,  "God  is  love  upon  love,  with  love." 
Therefore,  it  is  evident  that  the  foundation  of  religion  is  love  and  the  funda- 
mental purpose  of  religion  is  unity.  The  religion  of  God  is  honor  to  hu- 
manity; why  make  it  the  cause  of  degradation?  Why  make  it  the  cause 
of  darkness  and  gloom?  Assuredly  it  is  a  thousand  pities  that  the  cause 
of  such  a  glorious  reality  should  become  the  cause  of  degradation  and 
hatred. 

It  was  at  a  time  of  great  darkness  that  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  ap- 
peared in  Persia  summoning  all  to  love  and  friendship.  Now,  in  Persia, 
Jews,  Christians,  Zoroastrians  and  other  contending  religionists  who  heard 
the  words  of  Baha'o'llah  are  living  in  the  utmost  state  of  love  and  reci- 
procity. 

This  Cause  is  great  and  it  was  at  great  cost  that  Baha'o'llah  strove  to 
spread  these  principles  in  the  world.  During  His  life  He  was  imprisoned, 
and  His  property  was  pillaged.  He  was  separated  from  His  friends  and  20,000 
of  His  followers  were  martyred.  They  sacrificed  their  lives  in  the  glorious 
cause  of  doing  away  with  imitations  and  limitations,  to  this  end  that  unity 
might  be  established  among  the  children  of  men. 

Nations  sometimes  say,  "We  wish  to  extend  our  boundaries!"  Con- 
sider with  me  for  a  moment,  what  is  the  earth?  We  live  for  a  few  years 
on  its  surface  and  then  it  becomes  our  eternal  cemetery.  Millions  of  gen- 
erations are  buried  here.  It  is  the  universal  graveyard  of  humanity.  Is 
it  praiseworthy  to  engage  in  war  for  a  cemetery,  to  pillage  the  wealth  of 
nations  for  an  eternal  graveyard? 

Praise  God,  this  nation  at  this  time  is  striving  with  all  its  energy  for 
international  peace.  Rest  not  from  your  endeavors  until  international 
peace  become  established.  This  is  my  request  of  you,  and  my  earnest 
hope  for  you  is  that  you  may  always  be  protected.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  17,  p.  5. 

O  noble  friends,  seekers  after  God!  Praise  be  to  God,  today  the  light 
of  truth  is  shining  upon  the  world  in  its  abundance;  the  breezes  of  the 
heavenly  garden  are  blowing  throughout  all  regions;  the  call  of  the  King- 
dom is  heard  in  all  lands  and  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  felt  in  all 
hearts  that  are  faithful.  The  Spirit  of  God  is  giving  life  eternal.  In  this 
wonderful  age  the  East  is  enlightened,  the  West  is  fragrant  and  everywhere 
the  soul  inhales  the  holy  perfume.  The  sea  of  the  unity  of  mankind  is 
lifting  up  its  waves  with  joy,  for  there  is  a  real  communication  between  the 
hearts  and  minds  of  men.  The  banner  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  uplifted  and 
men  see  it  and  are  assured  with  the  knowledge  that  this  is  a  new  day.  This 
is  a  new  cycle  of  human  power.  All  the  horizons  of  the  world  are  luminous 
and  the  world  will  become  indeed  as  a  garden  and  a  paradise.  It  is  the 
hour  of  unity  of  the  sons  of  men  and  a  drawing  together  of  all  races  and 
classes.  You  are  loosed  from  ancient  superstitions  which  have  kept  men 
ignorant,  destroying  the  foundations  of  true  humanity. 

The  gift  of  God  in  this  enlightened  age  is  the  knowledge  of  the  oneness 
of  mankind  and  the  fundamental  oneness  of  religion.  War  shall  cease 
between  nations  and  by  the  will  of  God  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  come; 
the  world  will  be  seen  as  a  new  world  and  all  men  shall  Uve  as  brothers. 


ABDUL  BAHA  101 

In  the  days  of  old  an  instinct  for  warfare  was  developed  in  the  struggle 
with  wild  animals.  This  is  no  longer  necessary;  nay  rather,  cooperation 
and  mutual  understanding  are  seen  to  produce  the  greatest  welfare  of  man- 
kind. Enmity  is  now  the  result  of  prejudice  only.  In  the  "Hidden 
Words"  Baha'o'llah  says,  "Justice  is  to  be  loved  above  all."  Praise  be  to 
God,  in  this  country  the  standard  of  justice  has  been  raised;  a  great  effort 
is  being  made  to  give  all  souls  an  equal  and  a  true  place.  This  is  the  desire 
of  all  noble  natures.  This  is  today  the  teaching  for  the  East  and  the  West; 
therefore  the  East  and  the  West  will  understand  each  other  and  reverence 
each  other  and  embrace  like  long  parted  lovers  who  have  found  each  other. 
There  is  one  God;  mankind  is  one  and  the  foundations  of  religion  are  one. 
Let  us  worship  Him  and  give  praise  for  all  His  great  prophets  and  messen- 
gers who  have  manifested  His  brightness  and  glory.  The  blessing  of  the 
eternal  One  be  with  you  in  all  His  riches,  that  each  soul  according  to  his 
measure  may  take  freely  of  Him ! 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  pp.  3  and  4, 

In  the  material  world  of  existence,  human  undertakings  are  divided 
into  two  kinds:  universal  and  personal.  The  result  of  every  universal 
effort  is  infinite,  and  the  outcome  of  every  personal  effort  is  finite. 

In  this  age,  those  human  problems  which  create  general  interest 
are  universal;  their  results  are  likewise  universal,  for  humanity  has  become 
interdependent.  The  international  laws  of  today  are  of  vast  importance, 
since  international  politics  are  bringing  nations  nearer  one  another.  It 
is  a  general  axiom  that  in  the  world  of  human  endeavor  every  universal 
affair  demands  attention  and  its  results  and  benefits  are  limitless.  There- 
fore, let  us  say  that  every  universal  cause  is  divine  and  every  personal 
matter  is  human.  The  universal  light  for  this  planet  is  from  the  sun, 
and  the  special  light  here  tonight,  which  is  electric,  illumines  this  banquet 
hall  thru  the  invention  of  man.  In  like  manner  the  activities  which  are 
trying  to  establish  solidarity  between  the  nations  and  infuse  the  spirit  of 
universalism  in  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men  are  like  unto  divine  rays 
from  the  Sun  of  Reality,  and  the  brightest  ray  is  the  coming  of  the  uni- 
versal language.  Its  achievement  is  the  greatest  virtue  of  the  age,  for 
such  an  instrument  will  remove  misunderstandings  from  amongst  people 
of  the  earth  and  will  cement  their  hearts  together.  This  medium  will 
enable  each  individual  member  of  the  human  family  to  be  informed  of  the 
scientific  accomplishments  of  all  his  fellowmen.  The  basis  of  knowledge 
and  the  excellencies  of  endeavor  in  this  world  are  to  teach  and  to  be  taught. 
To  acquire  sciences  and  to  teach  them  in  turn,  and  when  the  international 
auxiliary  language  becomes  universal,  it  is  easily  conceivable  that  the 
acquirement  of  knowledge  and  instruction  will  likewise  become  uni- 
versal. *  *  * 

Complete  union  between  the  various  nations  of  the  world  would  be 
an  unrealized  dream  as  long  as  an  international  language  was  not  es- 
tablished. 

Misunderstandings  keep  people  from  mutual  association,  and  these 
misunderstandings  will  not  be  dispelled  except  through  a  common  ground 
of  communication.     Every  intelligent  man  will  bear  testimony  to  this. 


102  COMPILATION 

The  people  of  the  Orient  are  not  fully  informed  of  the  events  in  the 
West,  and  the  West  cannot  put  itself  into  sympathetic  touch  with  the  East. 
Their  thoughts  are  enclosed  in  a  casket.  The  universal  language  will  be 
the  key  to  open  it.  Western  books  will  be  translated  into  that  language 
and  the  easterner  will  be  informed  of  their  contents;  likewise  eastern  lore 
will  become  property  of  the  West.  Thus,  also,  will  those  misunderstandings 
which  exist  between  different  religions  be  dispersed.  Religious  prejudices 
play  havoc  among  the  peoples  and  bring  about  warfare  and  strife,  and 
it  is  impossible  to  remove  them  without  a  common  medium. 

*  *  *  A  mutual  language  will  become  the  mightiest  means  of  a  uni- 
versal progress  toward  the  union  of  the  East  and  the  West.  It  will  make 
the  earth  one  home,  and  become  the  divine  impulse  for  human  advance- 
ment. It  will  upraise  the  standard  of  oneness  in  the  world  of  humanity, 
and  make  the  earth  a  universal  commonwealth. 

It  will  be  the  cause  of  love  between  the  children  of  men  and  create 
good  fellowship  between  the  various  creeds.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  111. 

From  the  beginning,  the  followers  of  all  religions  have  believed  in  two 
seas,  one  salt  and  one  fresh;  in  two  trees,  the  tree  of  good  and  the  tree  of 
evil.  For  this  men  have  called  one  another  heretics.  Misinterpreting 
the  divine  commands,  men  have  acquired  prejudices  and  because  of  these 
prejudices  they  have  waged  religious  wars  and  caused  bloodshed.  Behold 
what  is  happening  today!  Men  are  killing  their  brothers,  believing  this 
to  be  a  cause  for  salvation;  believing  that  such  work  is  approved  by  God; 
believing  that  those  whom  they  kill  will  be  sent  to  hell. 

Baha'o'llah  speaks  to  humanity  in  a  different  tone.  He  says  that 
humanity  is  like  a  single  tree;  that  we  are  the  leaves  of  a  single  branch,  the 
branches  of  a  single  trunk.  For  the  new  day  has  dawned,  awaken  the 
sleeping  ones! 

Thanks  be  to  God,  you  are  the  beloved  of  the  universe  that  love  the 
whole  world.  Praise  be  to  God,  your  affection  is  for  all;  that  you  are  the 
enemies  of  none;  that  you  are  lovers  of  humanity,  a  precious  mine  for  the 
souls.  Thus  will  you  disperse  the  heavy  clouds  of  superstition.  The 
doors  of  the  Kingdom  are  open  to  you,  and  the  divine  good  news  of  the 
ages  has  come  to  you.  Go  further  into  the  teachings  and  you  will  arrive 
at  the  splendor  of  divine  favors. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  71. 

*  *  *  Today  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  upon  the  subject  of  the  oneness  of 
humanity,  for  in  this  great  century  the  most  important  of  all  subjects  is 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  human  kind.  Although  in  past  centuries  and 
bygone  ages  this  great  subject  received  some  measure  of  mention  and 
consideration,  it  was  little  compared  to  its  attainment  and  importance  in 
this  day.  In  past  ages  and  centuries  history  shows  that  the  various  people, 
tribes,  nations  and  sects  fought  and  warred  against  each  other  in  enmity 
and  hatred.  But,  praise  be  to  God,  in  this  century  of  illumination  hearts 
are  inclined  toward  amity  and  fellowship  and  minds  are  thoughtful  upon 
the  question  of  the  unification  of  mankind.     There  is  an  emanation  of  the 


ABDUL  BAHA  103 

universal  consciousness  today  which  clearly  indicates  the  dawn  of  a  great 
unity. 

In  investigation  of  a  subject  the  right  method  of  approach  is  to  care- 
fully examine  its  premises.  Therefore,  in  the  examination  of  this  subject 
of  human  solidarity  let  us  go  back  to  the  foundation  upon  whifh  it  rests 
namely:  that  all  mankind  belong  to  one  family,  that  all  are  one  progeny 
of  Adam,  all  the  servants  of  one  God ;  all  have  been  created  by  one  God ; 
God  is  the  provider  of  all;  God  nurtures  all;  all  are  submerged  in  the 
sea  of  the  mercy  and  grace  of  God  and  God  is  kind  to  all. 

All  humankind  share  in  common  the  intellectual  and  spiritual  faculties 
of  a  created  endowment.  All  are  equally  subject  to  the  various  exigencies 
of  human  life  and  are  similarly  employed  in  acquiring  the  means  of  earthly 
livelihood.  In  every  respect  from  the  viewpoint  of  creation  all  stand  upon 
the  same  footing,  all  have  the  same  requirements,  all  are  seeking  the 
happiness  and  comfort  of  earthly  conditions;  that  is  to  say  the  things  they 
share  in  common  are  numerous  and  manifest.  This  very  sharing  of  part- 
nership in  matters  intellectual  and  spiritual  is  a  valid  basis  for  the  unifica- 
tion of  mankind. 

Consider  how  for  six  thousand  years  discord  and  dissension  have 
prevailed  in  this  great  human  family.  Its  members  have  ever  been  engaged 
in  war  and  bloodshed.  Heretofore  the  world  of  humanity  has  not  attained 
nor  enjoyed  any  measure  of  peace  on  account  of  these  conditions  of  war 
and  strife.  Consult  history,  you  will  find  a  continuous  record  of  war 
brought  about  by  religious,  sectarian,  patriotic,  racial  and  political  causes. 
The  world  of  humanity  has  found  no  rest.  Men  have  always  been  in 
conflict,  engaged  in  destroying  the  foundations  of  each  other,  pillaging  the 
properties  and  possessions  of  each  other  and  shedding  blood;  especially  in 
the  earlier  periods  of  savagery  when  they  carried  away  as  captives  the 
wives  and  children  of  each  other.  Consider  the  tremendous  losses  of 
human  life  which  have  been  the  fruit  of  this  strife.  What  powers  and 
forces  have  been  employed  in  the  means  of  war  and  applied  to  inhuman 
purposes  of  conflict  and  bloodshed!  Now  it  has  become  necessary  to 
divert  these  energies  and  utilize  them  in  other  directions;  to  try  the  new 
path  of  fellowship  and  unity  in  this  most  radiant  century.  We  have 
observed  after  long  trial  and  experience  the  harmfulness  of  war  and  dis- 
sension. Now  we  must  seek  after  the  means  of  procuring  the  benefits  of 
unity  and  peace.     When  such  means  are  found  we  must  give  them  a  trial. 

Consider  the  harm  which  comes  to  a  family  through  discord  and  dis- 
sension. Consider,  too,  what  favors  and  blessings  descend  upon  the 
family  when  unity  exists  among  its  various  members.  Likewise  reflect, 
what  would  descend  upon  the  great  human  family  —  upon  humanity  in 
general  —  if  unity  were  established.  Although  the  benefits  and  good 
results  of  unity  are  clearly  manifest  and  the  harm  and  ill  effects  of  discord 
apparent,  yet  in  this  century  means  are  witnessed  for  assisting  man  in  the 
attainment  of  fellowship  and  unity.  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  has  pro- 
vided the  means  by  which  discord  may  be  removed  from  the  human  world. 
He  has  left  no  possibility  or  means  for  dissensions. 

First,  He  has  proclaimed  the  oneness  of  mankind  and  specialized 
religious  teachings  for  humanity. 


104  COMPILATION 

The  first  form  of  dissension  among  mankind  arises  from  religious 
differences.  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  has  given  full  teachings  to  the 
world  which  are  conducive  to  fellowship  and  unity  in  religion. 

In  past  years  each  religious  system  has  boasted  of  its  own  superiority 
and  excellence,  abasing  and  scorning  the  validity  of  all  others.  Each  has 
counted  its  own  belief  as  light  and  all  others  as  darkness.  The  various 
followers  have  considered  the  world  of  humanity  to  be  as  two  trees,  one  a 
merciful  tree  and  the  other  satanic.  They  have  considered  some  of  man- 
kind the  branches,  twigs  and  leaves  of  the  merciful  tree  and  others  be- 
longing to  the  tree  which  is  satanic.  This  sedition  and  warfare  among  the 
people  of  the  religions  was  continuous,  causing  ceaseless  bloodshed  and 
strife.  The  greatest  cause  of  human  alienation  has  been  religion,  because 
each  considered  the  belief  of  the  other  as  anathema  and  its  followers  de- 
prived of  the  mercy  of  God. 

The  teachings  of  Baha'  o  'Hah  which  are  specialized  to  Him  are  as  follows. 
He  has  founded  the  premises  by  addressing  all  humanity,  saying : 

"Ye  are  all  the  leaves  of  one  tree,"  not  of  two  trees,  one  merciful  and 
the  other  satanic.  He  has  said  that  all  humanity  belongs  to  one  tree  — ■ 
the  merciful.  Each  individual  member  of  the  human  family  is  a  leaf, 
twig  or  branch  upon  this  tree.  All  belong  to  the  Adamic  tree,  all  are 
sheltered  beneath  the  protecting  mercy  and  providence  of  God.  All  are 
the  children  of  God.  AH  are  fruit  upon  the  one  tree  of  His  love.  God  is 
clement  and  kind  to  all  the  branches,  leaves  and  fruit  of  this  tree,  and  there 
is  no  existence  or  interference  of  a  satanic  tree  whatever  —  satan  being  a 
creation  of  human  proclivities.  God  alone  is  the  creator  and  all  are 
creatures  of  His  might.  Therefore,  we  must  love  all  mankind  as  His 
creatures  and  realize  that  all  are  growing  upon  the  tree  of  His  mercy;  that 
all  are  the  servants  of  His  almighty  will  and  manifestations  of  His  good 
pleasure.  *  *  * 

Another  cause  of  dissension  and  discord  is  the  fact  that  religion  has 
been  pronounced  at  variance  with  science.  Between  religionists  and 
scientists  there  has  always  been  warfare  for  the  reason  that  the  former 
have  proclaimed  religion  superior  to  science  and  considered  science  opposed 
to  religion.  For  this  reason  strife  and  enmity  have  existed  between  them. 
His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  declared  this  to  be  a  mistake,  for  religion  is  in 
harmony  with  science  and  reason.  If  it  be  at  variance  it  proceeds  from 
the  mind  of  man  only  and  not  from  God,  and  is  therefore,  unworthy  of 
belief  and  not  deserving  attention.  The  heart  finds  no  rest  in  it  and  con- 
fidence is  not  established.  How  can  man  believe  that  which  he  knows  to 
be  at  variance  with  reason?  Is  this  possible?  Is  it  possible  for  the  heart 
to  accept  that  which  reason  refuses?  Reason  is  the  first  faculty  of  man 
and  the  religion  of  God  is  in  harmony  with  it.  Baha'o'llah  has  removed 
this  form  of  dissension  and  discord  from  among  mankind  and  reconciled 
science  with  religion.  This  accomplishment  is  specialized  to  Him  in  this 
day. 

Still  another  cause  of  disagreement  and  dissension  has  been  the  forma- 
tion of  religious  sects  and  denominations.  Baha'o'llah  said  that  God  has 
sent  religion  for  fellowship  among  humankind  and  not  for  strife  and  dis- 
cord, for  all  religion  is  founded  upon  the  love  of  humanity.     His  Holiness 


ABDUL  BAHA  105 

Abraham  promulgated  the  principle  of  love  among  mankind.  His  Holiness 
Moses  summoned  all  to  the  love  of  mankind.  His  Holiness  Christ  es- 
tablished the  love  of  mankind.  His  HoUness  Mohammed  directed  all  to 
the  love  of  mankind.  This  is  the  reality  of  religion.  *  *  *  The  purpose 
is  that  religion  is  the  cause  of  amity,  love  and  fellowship,  not  of  discord, 
enmity  and  estrangement.  *  *  * 

Other  causes  of  human  dissension  are  political,  patriotic  and  racial 
prejudices.  He  has  said  and  guarded  His  statement  by  rational  proofs 
from  the  Holy  Books  that  the  world  of  humanity  is  one  race,  the  surface 
of  the  earth  one  place  of  residence  and  these  suppositions  of  racial  and 
poUtical  boundaries  are  baseless  and  without  foundation.  It  is  not  be- 
coming of  man  to  be  the  captive  of  these  illusions  and  suppositions.  *  *  * 

Diversity  of  language  has  been  a  fruitful  cause  of  discord.  The  func- 
tion of  language  is  to  convey  the  thought  and  purpose  of  one  to  another. 
Therefore,  it  matters  not  what  language  man  speaks  or  employs.  Never- 
theless, Baha'o'llah  sixty  years  ago  advocated  one  language  as  the  greatest 
means  of  unity  and  the  basis  of  international  conference.  Fifty  years  ago 
He  wrote  to  the  kings  of  the  earth  recommending  the  unification  of  lan- 
guages; that  one  language  should  be  adopted  and  sanctioned  by  all  govern- 
ments and  promulgated  by  all  nations.  By  this  means  every  nation 
might  have  its  own  natal  tongue  and  acquire  the  universal  language.  All 
nations  would  then  be  able  to  communicate  and  consult  with  perfect 
facility  and  the  dissension  due  to  diversity  of  language  would  not  remain. 
Another  teaching  of  Baha'o'llah  is  in  relation  to  the  Most  Great  Peace; 
that  all  mankind  must  be  awakened  to  and  become  conscious  of  the  harm 
of  war;  that  they  should  become  informed  of  the  benefit  of  peace  and 
know  that  peace  is  from  God,  while  war  is  from  satan.  War  among  the 
nations  is  a  trait  and  manifestation  from  satan.  Man  must  emulate  the 
Merciful  and  not  satan,  in  order  that  public  opinion  shall  incline  toward 
peace,  love  and  unity  and  the  discord  of  war  vanish. 

I  will  mention  another  cause  for  dissension :  the  lack  of  equality  between 
men  and  woman.  Baha'o'llah  has  named  this  as  a  great  cause  of  discord 
and  division  among  humanity,  for  as  long  as  humanity  remains  unequally 
divided  as  male  and  female  in  right  and  importance,  no  amity  or  unity 
can  be  established.  In  a  perfect  human  body  it  could  not  be  possible  for 
one  organ  to  be  perfect  and  another  defective.  In  the  great  body  of 
humanity  how  could  it  be  possible  to  bring  about  unity,  love  and  fellowship 
if  one  factor  is  considered  perfect  and  the  other  imperfect?  When  both 
are  perfect  in  function,  perfect  fellowship  and  harmony  will  be  witnessed. 
Therefore,  it  is  the  greatest  mistake  to  assume  one  member  of  the  family 
of  humanity  is  perfect  and  the  other  defective  or  not  deserving.  God  has 
created  man  and  woman  equal  as  to  faculties;  He  has  made  no  distinction 
between  them.  Woman  has  not  reached  the  level  of  man  in  human 
accomplishments  because  of  lack  of  education.  The  education  of  man 
has  been  of  one  kind  and  of  women  another.  If  education  were  equal 
and  similar,  these  two  factors  would  be  equal  in  attainment.  God  has 
made  no  difference  between  them  which  should  produce  discord.  He  has 
endowed  all  with  human  faculties  and  all  are  manifestations  of  His  mercy. 

*  ♦  *  We  have  for  our  subject  and  consideration  the  reconciliation 


106  COMPILATION 

of  the  religious  systems  of  the  world.  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  has  said 
that  if  from  each  of  the  varying  religious  systems  one  intelligent  member 
be  selected  and  these  representatives  come  together  seeking  to  investigate 
the  reality  of  religion,  they  would  establish  an  inter-religious  body  before 
which  all  disputes  and  differences  of  religious  belief  could  be  presented  for 
investigation  and  discussion.  These  questions  could  then  be  weighed 
and  settled  from  the  standpoint  of  reality  and  all  imitations  discarded. 
In  this  way  all  religious  sects  and  systems  would  become  one. 

Do  not  question  the  practicality  of  this  and  be  not  astonished.  It  has 
been  effected  and  accomplished  in  Persia.  In  that  country  the  various 
religionists  have  gathered  together  to  investigate  reality  and  have  united 
in  the  utmost  fellowship  and  love.  No  traces  of  discord  or  difference 
remain;  the  utmost  love,  kindness  and  unity  are  apparent.  They  are 
unified  and  live  together  like  a  single  family  in  harmony  and  accord.  Dis- 
cord and  strife  have  passed  away.  Love  and  fellowship  now  prevail 
instead. 

Furthermore,  those  souls  who  have  obeyed  Baha'o'llah  and  attained 
this  condition  of  accord,  fellowship  and  affiliation  are  Mohammedans, 
Jews,  Christians,  Zoroastrians,  Buddhists,  Nestorians,  Shiites,  Sunnites 
and  others.  This  is  a  proof  of  the  possibility  of  universal  unification  among 
the  religionists  of  the  world  through  practical  means.  Imitations  which 
have  held  men  apart  have  been  discarded  and  the  reality  of  religion  en- 
velops them  in  its  perfect  unity. 

When  reality  envelops  the  souls  of  man,  love  is  possible.  The  divine 
purpose  in  religion  is  pure  love  and  amity.  The  prophets  of  God  were 
in  the  utmost  love  for  all.  Each  one  announced  the  glad  tidings  of  His 
successor  and  each  subsequent  one  confirmed  the  teachings  and  prophecies 
of  the  former.  There  was  no  discord  or  variance  in  the  reality  of  their 
teachings  and  mission.  The  discord  has  arisen  among  their  followers  who 
held  fast  to  imitations.  If  imitations  be  done  away  with  and  the  radiant 
shining  reality  dawn  in  the  souls  of  men,  love  and  unity  must  prevail. 
Thus  will  humanity  be  rescued  from  the  strife  and  wars  of  six  thousand 
years,  dissensions  will  pass  away  and  the  illumination  of  unity  dawn. 

Consider  how  all  the  prophets  of  God  were  persecuted  and  what  hard- 
ships they  experienced.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  endured  affliction  and 
accepted  martyrdom  upon  the  cross  in  order  to  call  men  to  unity  and  love. 
What  sacrifice  could  be  greater.'*  He  brought  the  religion  of  love  and 
fellowship  to  the  world.  Shall  we  make  use  of  it  to  create  discord,  \^olence 
and  hatred  among  men.'' 

Moses  was  persecuted  and  driven  out  into  the  desert;  Abraham  was 
banished;  Mohammed  took  refuge  in  caves;  the  Bab  was  killed  and  Baha- 
'o'llah was  exiled  and  imprisoned  forty  years.  Yet  all  of  them  desired 
only  fellowship  and  love  among  men.  They  endured  hardships,  suffered 
persecution  and  death  for  our  sakes  that  we  might  be  taught  to  love  one 
another,  be  united  and  affiliated  instead  of  discordant  and  at  variance. 

Enough  of  these  six  thousand  years  which  have  brought  such  xacis- 
situdes  and  hardships  into  the  world!  Now  in  this  radiant  century  let  us 
try  to  carry  out  the  good  pleasure  of  God,  that  we  may  be  rescued  from 
these  things  of  darkness  and  come  forth  into  the  boundless  illumination  of 


ABDUL  BAHA  107 

heaven,  shunning  division  and  welcoming  the  divine  oneness  of  humanity. 
Perchance,  God  wiUing,  this  terrestrial  world  may  become  as  a  mirror 
celestial  upon  which  we  may  behold  the  imprint  of  the  traces  of  divinity, 
and  the  fundamental  qualities  of  a  new  creation  may  be  reflected  from  the 
reality  of  love  shining  in  human  hearts.  Thus  from  the  light  and  semblance 
of  God  in  us  may  it  be  indeed  proved  and  witnessed  that  God  has  created 
man  after  His  own  image  and  likeness. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  11,  pp.  13-16. 

Do  not  allow  difference  of  opinion  or  diversity  of  thought  to  separate 
you  from  your  fellowmen,  or  to  be  the  cause  of  dispute,  hatred  and  strife 
in  your  hearts.  Rather,  search  diligently  for  the  truth  and  make  all  men 
your  friends. 

Every  edifice  is  made  of  many  different  stones,  yet  each  depends  on  the 
other  to  such  an  extent  that  if  one  were  displaced  the  whole  building  would 
suffer;  if  one  is  faulty  the  structure  is  imperfect. 

Baha'o'llah  has  drawn  the  circle  of  unity.  He  has  made  a  design  for  the 
uniting  of  all  the  peoples  and  for  the  gathering  of  them  all  under  the  shelter 
of  the  tent  of  universal  unity.  This  is  the  work  of  the  divine  bounty,  and 
we  must  all  strive  with  heart  and  soul  until  we  have  the  reality  of  unity  in 
our  midst;   and  as  we  work  so  will  strength  be  given  unto  us. 

Leave  all  thought  of  self  and  strive  only  to  be  obedient  and  submissive 
to  the  will  of  God.  In  this  way  only  shall  we  become  citizens  of  the  King- 
dom of  God,  and  attain  unto  life  everlasting. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  47. 

It  is  self-evident  that  humanity  is  at  variance.  Human  tastes  differ; 
thoughts,  nativities,  races  and  tongues  are  various.  The  need  of  a  collec- 
tive center,  by  which  these  differences  may  be  counterbalanced  and  the 
people  of  the  world  be  unified,  is  obvious.  Consider  how  nothing  but  a 
spiritual  power  can  bring  about  this  unification,  —  for  material  conditions 
and  mental  aspects  are  so  widely  different  that  agreement  and  unity  are 
impossible  through  outer  means.  But  it  is  possible  for  all  to  become  uni- 
fied through  One  Spirit,  just  as  all  may  receive  light  from  one  sun.  *  *  * 
Today  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  is  the  collective  center  of  unity  for  all 
humanity.  '  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  241. 

Therefore,  assisted  by  the  collective  and  divine  Center,  which  is  the  law 
of  God  and  the  reality  of  His  Manifestation,  we  can  overcome  these  con- 
ditions, until  they  pass  away  entirely  and  the  races  advance. 

Consider  the  tie  of  His  Holiness  Christ.  How  many  different  people, 
races  and  governments  there  were;  how  many  varying  sects  and  denomina- 
tions; but  when  His  Holiness  appeared,  the  Messianic  Reality  proved  to 
be  the  collective  Center  which  brought  together  and  unified  them  beneath 
the  same  tabernacle  of  amity. 

Reflect  a  moment !  Could  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  have  united  these 
divergent  factors  or  brought  about  such  results  through  political  power.'' 
Was  this  unity  and  agreement  possible  through  material  forces.?  It  is 
evident  that  it  was  not;    nay  rather,  these  various  peoples  were  brought 


108  COMPILATION 

together  through  divine  power  —  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
They  were  revived  through  the  infusion  of  a  fresh  spirit.  The  spirituahty 
of  the  Christ  overcame  their  difficulties,  so  that  their  disagreements  ut- 
terly passed  away.  In  this  way  these  varying  peoples  were  unified,  agreed 
and  became  welded  in  a  bond  of  love  which  alone  can  unite  hearts. 

Therefore,  it  is  proved  that  the  Manifestations  of  God,  the  great  Mouth- 
pieces of  God,  are  the  collective  Centers  of  God.  The  prophets  of  God 
are  these  collective  Centers,  for  they  are  the  real  shepherds.  The  real 
shepherd  unites  the  scattered  sheep  as  they  have  done  in  the  past. 

The  collective  Center  has  ever  appeared  from  the  Orient.  His  Holiness 
Abraham  was  a  collective  Center  and  He  appeared  in  the  East.  His 
Holiness  Moses  was  a  collective  Center  and  He  appeared  in  the  East.  His 
Holiness  Jesus  Christ  was  a  collective  Center  and  He  appeared  in  the  East. 
His  Holiness  Mohammed  was  a  collective  Center  appearing  among  the 
nomadic  tribes  of  the  Arabian  peninsula. 

Today  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  is  the  collective  Center  of  unity  for 
all  humanity  and  He  has  come  from  the  East.  He  founded  the  oneness  of 
humanity  in  Persia.  He  established  amity  among  the  various  peoples  of 
different  religions,  denominations,  sects  and  cults  by  rescuing  them  from 
the  fetters  of  past  imitations  and  superstitions  and  led  them  to  the  very 
foundations  of  the  divine  religions.  And  from  this  foundation  shines  forth 
the  radiance  of  spirituality  which  is  unity,  the  love  of  God,  the  knowledge 
of  God,  praiseworthy  morals  and  the  virtues  of  the  human  world.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  246. 


*  *  *  Consider  what  effect  unity  has  upon  a  community!  Persia  has 
been  greatly  disturbed  of  late  and  yet  owing  to  the  great  harmony  which 
exists  among  the  Bahai  friends,  there  is  absolutely  no  disturbance  among 
them.  The  only  community  which  has  been  at  perfect  peace  and  rest, 
during  all  this  turmoil,  has  been  this  community.  Why  is  this  so.'*  Be- 
cause they  love  everybody  and  they  love  one  another  and  are  united  among 
themselves,  for  in  spirit  they  are  united  with  all  the  world.  Their  mission 
is  to  establish  unity  among  the  human  race.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     "Heavenly  Feast,"  p.  13. 


We  work  and  pray  for  the  unity  of  mankind;  that  all  the  races  of  the 
earth  may  become  one  race,  all  the  countries  one  country  and  that  all 
hearts  may  beat  as  one  heart,  working  together  for  perfect  unity  and 
brotherhood. 

Praise  be  to  God  that  our  efforts  are  sincere  and  that  our  hearts  are 
turned  to  the  Kingdom. 

Our  greatest  longing  is  that  Truth  may  be  established  in  the  world, 
and  in  this  hope  we  draw  near  to  one  another  in  love  and  affection.  Each 
and  all  are  whole-hearted  and  selfless,  willing  to  sacrifice  all  personal  am- 
bition to  the  grand  ideal  towards  which  they  strive:  brotherly  love,  peace 
and  union  among  men.  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  91. 


ABDUL  BAHA  109 

SPIRITUAL  CIVILIZATION  —  MATERIAL  CIVILIZATION 

*  *  *  Until  the  heavenly  civilization  be  founded,  no  result  will  be  forth- 
coming from  the  material  civilization,  even  as  you  observe.  See  what 
catastrophes  take  place!  Consider  the  wars  which  disturb  the  world, 
consider  the  expressions  of  enmity  and  hatred!  The  presence  of  these 
wars  indicate  the  fact  that  the  heavenly  civilization  has  not  yet  been  es- 
tablished. If  this  heavenly  civilization  be  promulgated,  all  this  dust  will 
be  dispelled,  all  these  clouds  will  pass  away,  and  the  Sun  of  Reality  with 
greatest  eflFulgence,  with  glory,  will  shine  upon  mankind.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Wisdom  Talks,  p.  20,  1912. 

*  *  *  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  came  to  teach  the  people  of  the  world 
this  heavenly  civilization  and  not  material  civilization.  He  breathed  the 
breath  of  the  divine  spirit  into  the  body  of  the  world  and  establi^ed  an 
illumined  civilization.  Among  the  principles  of  divine  civilization  He 
came  to  proclaim  is  the  Most  Great  Peace  of  mankind.  Among  His 
principles  of  spiritual  civilization  is  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  hu- 
manity. Among  the  principles  of  heavenly  civilization  He  brought  is  the 
virtue  of  the  human  world.  Among  the  principles  of  celestial  civilization 
He  announced  is  the  improvement  and  betterment  of  human  morals. 

Today  the  world  of  humanity  is  in  need  of  international  unity  and  con- 
ciliation. This  great  foundation  needs  a  propelling  power  to  spread  these 
principles.  It  is  self-evident  that  unity  of  the  human  world  and  the  Most 
Great  Peace  cannot  be  accomplished  through  material  means.  It  cannot 
be  established  thru  political  power,  for  the  political  interests  of  nations 
are  various  and  the  policies  of  peoples  are  divergent  and  conflicting.  It 
cannot  be  founded  through  racial  or  pat-riotic  power,  for  these  are  human 
powers,  selfish  and  weak.  The  very  nature  of  racial  differences  and  pa- 
triotic prejudices  prevent  the  realization  of  this  unity  and  agreement. 
Therefore,  it  is  established  that  the  promotion  of  the  oneness  of  the  king- 
dom of  humanity,  which  is  the  essence  of  the  teachings  of  the  holy  Mani- 
festations of  God,  is  impossible  except  through  the  power  spiritual  and 
breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Other  powers  are  too  weak  and  are  incapable 
of  accomplishing  this. 

For  man,  two  wings  are  necessary:  One  wing  is  the  physical  power  and 
material  civilization;  the  other  is  the  spiritual  power  and  divine  civiliza- 
tion. With  one  wing  only  flight  is  impossible.  Two  wings  are  essential. 
Therefore,  no  matter  how  much  material  civilization  advances  it  cannot 
attain  to  perfection  except  through  the  uplift  of  the  spiritual  civilization. 

All  the  prophets  have  come  to  promote  divine  bestowals,  to  found  the 
spiritual  civilization  and  teach  the  principles  of  morality.  Therefore,  we 
must  strive  with  all  our  powers  so  that  spiritual  influence  may  gain  the 
victory.  For  material  forces  have  attacked  mankind.  The  world  of 
humanity  is  submerged  in  a  sea  of  materialism.  The  rays  of  the  Sun  of 
Reality  are  seen  but  dimly  and  darkly  through  opaque  glasses.  The 
penetrative  power  of  the  divine  bounty  is  not  fully  manifest. 

In  Persia  among  the  various  religions  and  sects  there  were  intense  dif- 
ferences. His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  appeared  in  that  country  and  founded 
the  spiritual  civilization.     He  established  aflaliation  among  the  various 


110  COMPILATION 

peoples,  promoted  the  oneness  of  the  human  world,  and  unfurled  the  banner 
of  the  Most  Great  Peace.  He  wrote  special  epistles  covering  these  facts 
to  all  the  great  kings  and  rulers  of  nations.  Fifty  years  ago  He  conveyed  His 
message  to  the  leaders  of  the  political  world  and  to  high  dignitaries  of  the 
spiritual  world.  Therefore,  spiritual  civilization  is  progressing  in  the  Orient 
and  oneness  of  humanity  and  peace  among  the  nations  is  being  accomplished 
step  by  step. 

Now  I  find  a  strong  movement  for  universal  peace  emanating  from 
America.  It  is  my  hope  that  this  standard  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of 
humanity  may  be  upraised  with  the  utmost  solidity,  so  that  the  Orient 
and  Occident  may  become  perfectly  reconciled  with  each  other,  attain  to 
the  most  complete  intercommunication,  the  hearts  of  the  East  and  the 
West  become  united  and  attracted  toward  each  other,  real  union  become 
unveiled,  the  light  of  guidance  shine,  divine  effulgences  be  seen  day  by  day; 
so  that  the  world  of  humanity  may  find  complete  rest,  the  eternal  happi- 
ness of  man  become  evident  and  the  hearts  of  the  people  of  the  world  be 
as  mirrors  in  which  the  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  may  be  reflected.  Con- 
sequently it  is  my  request  that  you  should  strive,  so  that  the  light  of  reality 
may  shine  and  the  everlasting  felicity  of  the  world  of  man  become  apparent. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  7. 

I  speak  from  a  verse  in  Corinthians,  the  substance  of  which  is  that 
though  we  see  now  darkly  as  through  a  glass,  the  day  will  come  when  we 
shall  see  face  to  face.  In  reality,  the  light  of  truth  has  been  seen  through 
variegated  glasses,  but  now  let  us  hope  that  we  shall  see  the  light  of  truth 
through  the  purest  possible  medium,  —  that  is  the  spiritual  revelation, 
divine  morals,  the  morals  of  Jesus  Christ.  *  *  * 

I  have  come  hither  to  find  that  material  civilization  has  progressed 
greatly.  I  find  commerce  and  the  crafts  perfected,  agriculture  improved, 
sciences  well  established;  but  the  spiritual  civilization  has  been  left  be- 
hind. The  material  civilization  is  likened  unto  the  glass  in  a  lamp  chim- 
ney. The  spiritual  civilization  is  the  light  in  that  chimney.  The  material 
civilization  should  go  hand  in  hand  with  the  spiritual  civilization,  then  we 
will  have  the  light  and  the  glass  together.  Material  civilization  may  be 
likened  to  a  beautiful  body,  while  the  spiritual  civilization  is  the  spirit 
that  enters  the  body  and  gives  to  it  life.  With  the  propelling  spirit  of 
spiritual  civilization  the  result  will  be  great. 

His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  came  to  this  world  that  the  people  might 
have  through  Him  the  civilization  of  heaven,  a  spirit  of  oneness  with  God. 
He  came  to  breathe  the  spirit  in  the  body  of  the  world.  There  must  be  a 
oneness  in  the  world  of  humanity.  WTien  this  takes  place  then  we  ^vill 
have  the  Most  Great  Peace. 

Today  the  body-politic  needs  the  oneness  of  the  world  and  universal 
peace,  but  it  requires  a  certain  propelling  power  to  spread  the  feehng  and 
to  firmly  plant  it  in  the  minds  of  men. 

It  is  self-evident  that  spiritual  civilization  cannot  be  accompUshed 
through  material  means,  for  the  interests  of  the  various  nations  differ.  It 
is  evident  that  it  cannot  be  accomplished  through  patriotism,  for  countries 
differ  in  their  ideas  of  patriotism.     It  is  impossible  save  through  spiritual 


ABDUL  BAHA  111 

power.     Compared  with  this  all  other  means  are  too  weak  to  bring  about 
universal  peace. 

Man  has  two  wings:  his  material  development  and  power  and  his 
spiritual  understanding  and  achievements.  With  one  wing  alone  he  can- 
not fly;  two  wings  are  necessary.  Therefore,  no  matter  how  the  material 
civilization  advances,  without  the  other  great  things  cannot  be  accom- 
plished. We  must  try  with  all  the  material  power  to  help  the  spiritual 
power.     Humanity,  generally  speaking,  is  immersed  in  a  sea  of  materiality. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  3,  p.  5. 

The  divine  aspect  or  the  spiritual  side  consists  of  the  breaths  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

The  second  birth  of  which  Jesus  Christ  has  spoken  refers  to  this  heavenly 
or  divine  side.  His  divine  side  is  expressed  in  the  baptism  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  he  who  is  baptized  by  the  Holy  Spirit  is  a  veritable  manifesta- 
tion of  mercy  to  mankind.  Then  he  is  most  kind  to  all  humanity.  He 
shall  entertain  no  enmity  to  any  people,  and  he  shall  shun  no  nation.  He 
will  be  kind  to  all  humanity.  The  foundations  of  the  religions  of  God  are 
one.  If  we  refer  to  the  foundations  of  the  religions  we  shall  find  that  we 
have  much  ground  for  agreement.  And  if  we  refer  to  the  imitations  we  will 
find  points  of  disagreement  or  division,  for  imitations  differ,  but  the  founda- 
tions of  divine  religions  are  agreed. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  p.  11, 

Baha'o'llah  in  Persia  founded  the  spiritual  civilization,  and  made  a 
bond  among  various  peoples  of  different  races  that  voiced  the  doctrine  of 
universal  peace.  Fifty  years  ago  he  sent  epistles  to  the  kings,  the  rulers 
of  the  world,  to  join  him  in  peace.  Now  I  find  a  strong  movement  for 
universal  peace  emanating  from  America.  It  is  my  hope  that  here  in  the 
Occident  the  foundation  of  this  new  solidarity  will  be  strengthened  and 
that  the  Orient  and  the  Occident  may  be  cemented  together;  that  there 
may  be  a  real  unity,  so  that  the  world  may  at  last  find  peace.  May  the 
hearts  of  men  become  as  brothers. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  3,  p.  6. 

*  *  *  There  are  two  kinds  of  civilization  in  the  world  of  existence:  a 
natural  and  material  civilization  which  serves  the  physical  world,  and  a 
divine  and  heavenly  civilization  which  renders  service  to  the  world  of 
morality.  The  founders  of  natural  civilization  are  the  scientists  and  phil- 
osophers of  the  earth.  The  establishers  of  divine  civilization  are  the  holy, 
celestial  Manifestations  of  God.  Religion  is  the  basis  of  divine  civiliza- 
tion. Natural  civilization  is  life  unto  the  body.  Divine  civilization  is 
life  unto  the  spirit.  A  body  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  although  it  may  be 
in  the  utmost  of  beauty  and  comeliness. 

In  short,  by  religion  we  mean  those  necessary  bonds  which  unify  the 
world  of  humanity.  This  has  ever  been  the  essence  of  the  religion  of  God. 
This  is  the  eternal  bestowal  of  God.  This  is  the  object  of  divine  teaching 
and  laws.  This  is  the  light  of  the  everlasting  life.  But  a  thousand  times, 
alas,  that  this  solid  foundation  is  abandoned  and  forgotten,  and  the  leaders 


112  COMPILATION 

of  religion  have  fabricated  a  set  of  blind  dogmas  and  rituals  which  are  at 
complete  variance  with  the  foundation  of  divine  religion.  As  these  dogmas 
differ  from  each  other,  they  cause  differences,  differences  breed  strife,  and 
strife  ends  in  war  and  bloodshed;  the  blood  of  the  innocent  people  is 
spilled,  their  possessions  are  ransacked  and  pillaged  and  their  children 
become  captives  and  orphans.  Thus  religion,  which  was  destined  to  be- 
come the  cause  of  friendship,  has  become  the  cause  of  enmity.  Religion 
which  was  meant  to  be  sweet  honey  is  changed  into  bitter  poison.  Religion, 
the  function  of  which  was  to  be  the  illumination  of  the  world  of  humanity, 
has  become  the  factor  of  obscurantism  and  gloom.  Religion  which  was  to 
confer  everlasting  life,  has  become  the  fiendish  instrument  of  death.  Con- 
sequently, as  long  as  these  blind  dogmas  are  in  the  hands  and  these  nets 
of  dissimulation  and  hypocrisy  are  in  the  fingers,  religion  will  be  only  a 
harmful  agency  in  the  world  of  humanity.  Hence,  these  superannuated, 
tattered  dogmas  which  are  current  amongst  the  present-day  religions  must 
be  totally  given  up,  and  thus  free  from  past  traditions  investigate  the  real 
objects  of  divine  religions,  and  as  the  foundation  of  the  religion  of  God  is 
one  and  that  one  is  absolute  reaUty  and  reality  is  indivisible  and  not  amena- 
ble to  multiplicity,  therefore,  complete  unity  and  amity  between  all  the 
religions  shall  be  instituted  and  the  true  religion  of  God  shall  become  un- 
veiled in  the  utmost  beauty  and  sublimity  in  the  assemblage  of  the  world 
of  humanity.  *  *  * 

Praise  be  to  God  that  this  century  is  the  century  of  sciences!  This 
cycle  is  the  cycle  of  reality.  The  minds  have  developed,  the  thoughts  have 
taken  a  wider  range  of  vision;  the  intellects  have  become  keen;  the  emo- 
tions have  become  sensitized;  the  inventions  have  transformed  the  face 
of  the  earth  and  this  age  has  acquired  a  glorious  capacity  for  the  majestic 
revelation  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.  Extract  from  Tablet  to  the  Sixth  International  Con- 
gress of  Free  and  Progressive  Christians  and  other  Religious  Liberals,  held 
in  Paris,  France,  July,  1913. 

*  *  *  From  the  day  of  Adam  down  to  this  present  time  every  one  of  the 
holy,  sacred  Manifestations  who  have  appeared  have  founded  this  spiritual 
brotherhood.  They  have  striven  to  unite  humanity  to  such  a  degree  that 
all  may  be  accounted  as  one  soul.  Consider  that  the  purpose  or  function 
of  the  shepherd  is  to  gather  the  sheep  and  not  to  disperse  the  flock.  The 
more  capable  the  shepherd  the  greater  is  his  power  to  gather  together  and 
unite  the  flock. 

The  purport  is  this:  that  the  prophets  of  God,  the  Manifestations,  have 
all  been  shepherds  and  they  have  gathered  together  the  divine  sheep. 
They  have  established  a  bond  for  the  unity  of  mankind.  They  have  es- 
tablished love  among  humanity.  They  have  made  scattered  peoples  one 
nation;  wandering  tribes  as  one  strong  people.  They  have  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  the  unity  of  God  and  summoned  all  to  universal  peace.  All  these 
holy,  divine  Manifestations  are  one.  They  have  served  one  God;  they 
have  promulgated  the  same  truths;  they  have  laid  the  same  institutions; 
they  have  reflected  the  same  light;  they  have  all  been  linked  together; 
each  one  has  praised  the  other;  each  one  announced  the  glad  tidings  of  the 


ABDUL  BAH  A  113 

one  who  was  to  appear  afterward  and  all  laid  the  foundation  of  reality. 
They  all  summoned  and  invited  the  people  to  love  and  all  have  made  the 
human  world  a  mirror  to  reveal  the  Word  of  God.  These  divine  religions 
have  one  basis  for  their  foundation;  their  teachings  are  one;  their  proof 
is  one;  their  evidences  are  one.  Nominally  they  differ,  but  in  reality  they 
are  one.  *  *  * 

The  word  of  truth,  no  matter  which  tongue  utters  it,  must  be  sanctioned. 
Absolute  verities,  no  matter  in  what  book  they  be  recorded,  must  be  ac- 
quired. If  you  harbor  prejudice,  that  prejudice  will  be  the  cause  of 
deprivation,  the  cause  of  ignorance,  the  cause  of  not  knowing. 

The  strife  which  exists  among  religious  systems,  the  strife  which  exists 
among  nations,  the  warfare  separating  nation  and  countries  arise  from 
nothing  else  but  misunderstanding.  *  *  * 

On  the  one  hand  we  have  progress  of  the  material  type;  on  the  other 
great  spiritual  discoveries  are  being  realized.  Truly,  this  can  be  called  the 
century  of  miracles,  for  it  is  the  manifestation  of  the  miraculous. 

The  time  has  arrived  for  all  mankind  to  become  united.  The  time  has 
come  when  all  nativities  shall  have  one  fatherland.  The  day  is  at  hand 
when  all  religions  shall  be  one  religion.  The  day  has  dawned  in  which  no 
racial  prejudices  shall  remain.  The  day  has  come  when  religious  bias 
shall  pass  away.  It  is  a  day  when  the  oneness  of  human  kind  shall  uplift 
its  standard.  It  is  the  day  when  international  peace,  like  the  true  morning, 
is  to  flood  the  world  with  its  light.  Therefore,  we  offer  the  utmost  suppli- 
cation to  God,  asking  Him  to  dispel  these  gloomy  clouds  and  to  uproot 
these  imitations  in  order  that  the  East  and  the  West  may  become  radiant; 
that  all  the  nations  of  the  world  will  embrace  one  another,  and  the  real 
spiritual  brotherhood,  like  the  sun  of  the  heavens,  will  shine  upon  all  the 
nations.  *  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  7,  p.  19. 

I  want  you  to  know  that  material  progress  and  spiritual  progress  are 
two  very  different  things,  and  that  only  if  material  progress  goes  hand  in 
hand  with  spirituality  can  any  real  progress  come  about  and  the  Most 
Great  Peace  reign  in  the  world.  If  men  followed  the  holy  counsels  and 
teachings  of  the  prophets,  if  divine  light  shone  in  all  hearts  and  men  were 
really  religious,  we  would  soon  see  peace  on  earth  and  the  Kingdom  of  God 
among  men.  The  laws  of  God  may  be  likened  unto  the  soul  and  material 
progress  unto  the  body.  If  the  body  were  not  animated  by  the  soul  it 
would  cease  to  exist.  It  is  my  earnest  prayer  that  spirituality  may  ever 
grow  and  increase  in  the  world,  so  that  customs  may  become  enlightened 
and  peace  and  concord  may  be  established. 

War  and  rapine,  with  their  attendant  crudities,  are  an  abomination  to 
God  and  bring  their  own  punishment,  for  the  God  of  love  is  also  a  God  of 
justice  and  each  man  must  inevitably  reap  what  he  sows.  Let  us  try  to 
understand  the  commands  of  the  Most  High  and  to  order  our  lives  as  He 
directs.  True  happiness  depends  on  spiritual  good  and  having  the  heart 
ever  open  to  receive  the  divine  bounty.  *  *  * 

God  in  His  infinite  goodness  has  exalted  us  to  do  so  much  honor  and 
has  made  us  masters  over  the  material  world.  Shall  we  then  become  her 
slaves.'*  Nay  rather,  let  us  claim  our  birthright  and  strive  to  live  the  life 
of  the  spiritual  sons  of  God. 


114  COMPILATION 

The  glorious  Sun  of  Truth  has  once  again  risen  in  the  East.  From  the 
far  horizon  of  Persia  its  radiance  is  spreading  far  and  wide,  dispersing  the 
dense  clouds  of  superstition.  The  light  of  the  unity  of  mankind  is  begin- 
ning to  illumine  the  world  and  soon  the  banner  of  divine  harmony  and  the 
solidarity  of  nations  will  be  flying  high  in  the  heavens.  Yea,  the  breeze 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  will  inspire  the  whole  world. 

O  peoples  and  nations!  Arise  and  work  and  be  happy!  Gather  to- 
gether under  the  tent  of  the  unity  of  mankind ! 

Abdul  Baha.    Paris  Talks,  p.  98. 


POWER  OF  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT 

We  observe  that  every  movement  which  establishes  unity  and  amity 
brings  in  its  train  life,  and  every  cause  which  originates  differences  and 
enmity  carries  death  in  its  wake.  Every  philanthropic  movement  is  born 
through  love  and  amity,  and  every  movement  which  has  produced  ruin 
and  devastation  has  been  born  through  hostility  and  differences. 

We  must  strive  untiringly,  perchance  we  may  discover  a  plan  whereby 
amity  and  unity  will  result.  Today  there  are  many  causes  in  the  world 
of  humanity  which  bring  about  more  or  less  unity. 

The  first  link  which  creates  love  and  affection  is  the  family  bond;  the 
second  is  the  patriotic  bond;  the  third  is  the  racial  bond  and  the  fourth 
is  the  civic  bond.  These,  although  useful  in  their  own  limited  spheres, 
are  not  potent  enough  to  bring  about  the  unification  of  the  human  race. 
Have  we  not  learned  often  and  with  much  sorrow  that  there  has  been  a 
quarrel  between  the  members  of  a  family  or  the  inhabitants  of  one  land, 
or  the  denizens  of  various  states,  or  the  individuals  of  different  cities? 

A  permanent  peace  in  the  world  of  existence  can  be  established  only 
through  the  power  of  the  spirit.  Spirit  is  the  ruler  over  body.  If  the 
people  are  emancipated  through  one  spirit,  there  is  not  a  trace  of  doubt 
but  that  the  greatest  bond  of  union  and  harmony  will  be  established  among 
them.  *  *  * 

After  the  moral  aspect  of  humanity  becomes  readjusted,  then  the 
greatest  unity  will  be  realized;  but  without  this  moral  readjustment  it  is 
impossible  to  establish  harmony  and  concord;  for  it  is  a  fact  that  war, 
conflict,  friction  and  strife  are  but  the  visible  results  of  deterioration  of 
morality  and  corruption  of  character.  But  when  the  morality  of  the 
human  world  is  beautified  and  adorned  with  praiseworthy  virtues  there 
will  be  an  end  to  war.  *  *  * 

In  these  days  there  must  needs  be  a  mighty  power  of  accord  instilled 
into  the  nations.  The  principle  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity 
must  be  proclaimed,  understood  and  put  into  practice,  so  that  all  the 
nations  and  religions  may  again  remember  the  long  forgotten  fact,  that 
they  are  all  the  progeny  of  primordial  humanity,  Adam,  and  the  denizens 
of  one  land.  Are  they  not  breathing  one  air?  Is  not  the  same  sun  shining 
upon  all?  Are  they  not  the  sheep  of  one  flock?  Is  not  God  the  universal 
shepherd?     Is  He  not  kind  to  all? 

Let  us  banish  the  phantasmal  thoughts  of  east  and  west,  north  and 
south,  European  and  American,  English  and  German,  Persian  and  French. 


ABDUL  BAH  A  115 

Consider  the  creation  of  this  infinite  universe!  This  globe  of  ours  is 
one  of  the  smallest  planets.  Those  stupendous  bodies,  revolving  in 
yonder  immeasurable  space,  the  infinite  blue  canopy  of  God,  are  many 
times  greater  than  our  small  earth.  To  our  eyes  this  globe  appears 
spacious,  yet  when  we  look  upon  it  with  divine  eyes,  it  is  reduced  to  the 
tiniest  atom.  This  small  planet  is  not  worthy  of  division.  Is  it  not  one 
home,  one  native  land?  Is  not  all  humanity  one  race.''  For  creationally 
there  is  no  diflFerence  between  the  peoples. 

How  shortsighted  we  would  be  should  we  try  to  divide  a  room  into  the 
eastern  and  western  corners.  The  geographical  division  of  this  world 
is  an  exact  parallel.  Through  our  ignorance  and  lack  of  understanding 
we  divide  this  common  home,  we  divide  the  members  of  this  family  into 
various  races,  we  divide  religion  into  different  sects,  and  then  with  these 
suppositional  divisions  we  wage  war  against  one  another;  we  shed  one 
another's  blood  and  we  pillage  one  another's  possessions.  Is  this  not 
unpardonable  ignorance,  is  not  this  the  height  of  injustice?  Were  we 
just  and  could  we  observe  without  prejudice  we  would  realize  that  there 
are  no  fundamental  differences.  For  the  last  six  thousand  years  there 
have  been  wars  and  contentions  between  the  various  nations  and  in  every 
age  we  have  had  some  great  culminating  catastrophe. 

Were  we  given  the  vision  of  human  brotherhood  we  could  not  have 
engaged  in  warfare.  Consider  how  the  world  of  humanity  has  retrograded 
from  its  ideals,  for  it  glorifies  in  fratricide. 

If  one  person  kill  another  he  is  called  a  murderer  and  the  civil  authority 
brings  him  before  the  law;  but  if  he  kills  one  hundred  thousand  people  on  a 
battlefield  he  is  hailed  as  a  conqueror.  Is  not  this  like  a  bloodthirsty 
wolf  who  may  glory  in  that  he  has  wantonly  strangled  one  hundred  thous- 
and sheep  in  one  night?  If  a  person  steal  one  franc  he  will  be  branded  as 
a  thief,  but  if  he  pillage  a  whole  country  he  will  be  acclaimed  a  great  hero. 
How  ignorant  is  humanity ! 

From  a  physiological  standpoint  human  beings  differ  from  carnivorous 
animals.  Their  teeth,  unlike  the  lion's,  were  not  made  for  tearing  meat. 
All  the  functions  of  the  human  body  are  created  for  love  and  good  fellow- 
ship, and  it  is  evident  that  the  continuation  of  this  world  of  humanity 
depends  upon  the  practice  of  these  attributes ;  and  the  destruction  of  the 
world  of  humanity  lies  in  war  and  conflict.  But  through  long  custom 
and  usage,  savagery  and  bloodthirstiness  are  kneaded  into  the  very  being 
of  man,  and  the  God-like  attributes  which  contribute  to  the  powers  of 
treaty  making  in  international  laws  are  not  sufficiently  strong  to  stem  the 
tide  of  warfare. 

There  must  needs  be  some  tremendous  force  to  upraise  the  standard 
of  eternal  friendship  between  nations,  and  this  force  must  come  through 
self-sacrifice  and  universal  service. 

At  a  time  when  the  Orient  was  in  the  dark  night  of  cataclysmic  ignorance. 
His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah,  like  unto  a  glorious  sun,  shone  forth  from  the 
eastern  horizon.  In  the  midst  of  contention  and  the  clashing  rivalries 
of  the  oriental  peoples  He  boldly  proclaimed  the  doctrine  of  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity.  Numerous  souls  who  had  the  comrage  of  their 
convictions  gathered  under  His  banner. 


116  COMPILATION 

In  order  to  promote  universal  peace  and  the  confederation  of  the 
nations,  they  were  ever  ready  to  give  up  their  possessions  and  their  hves. 
His  Hohness  Baha'o'Uah  suffered  imprisonment,  exile  and  incarceration 
for  fifty  years.  WTiile  under  chains  He  raised  His  voice  and  summoned 
the  people  to  the  tent  of  unity.  More  than  twenty  thousand  hastened 
to  the  arena  of  sacrifice  and  while  singing  songs  of  joy  were  martyred  at 
the  hands  of  the  executioners. 

The  governments  of  the  East  arose  with  great  determination  to  ex- 
terminate this  Cause.  They  held  councils  and  said:  "We  must  uproot  the 
tree  of  this  Bahai  community  and  abolish  the  foundation  of  this  palace  of 
universal  peace  which  these  people  desire  to  found." 

They  said:  "We  want  to  carry  conquest  to  other  countries,  we  desire 
to  make  other  nations  cap  five,  we  wish  to  extend  the  boundary  of  our 
dominions  and  defend  our  frontiers.  How  are  we  going  to  do  all  these 
things  except  through  militarism?  And  as  Baha'o'llah's  aim  is  to  prevent 
war,  we  must  destroy  Him  and  His  followers,  so  that  His  ideals  may  not 
take  root  and  flourish." 

In  short,  this  picture  is  to  illustrate  that  the  Bahais  are  most  self- 
sacrificing  in  this  path,  for  they  have  proven  it  by  their  deeds.  They  are 
neither  visionaries  nor  Utopians.  With  the  greatest  might  and  strength 
they  have  risen  to  serve  their  fellowmen.  Through  their  marvelous  power 
they  are  establishing  amity  between  the  various  nations  and  religions; 
they  are  working  incessantly  day  and  night.  *  *  * 

These  souls  have  reached  the  highest  station  of  self-sacrifice.  Should 
the  occasion  arise,  all  that  they  possess  would  be  freely  given  in  order  to 
unfurl  the  banner  of  the  solidarity  of  the  human  race  over  the  religions 
of  the  East  and  the  West,  so  that  all  differences  might  be  annulled  and  all 
peoples  from  one  end  of  the  earth  to  the  other  might  sing  in  accord  the 
songs  of  life  and  peace;  that  it  might  be  borne  on  the  wings  of  light  to  the 
throne  of  the  Father,  there  to  be  blended  with  the  symphonies  of  the 
heavenly  angels,  and  thus  heaven  and  earth  become  harmonized  with  the 
golden  strains  of  divine  music. 

Be  it  known  that  there  is  but  one  foundation  to  the  religion  of  God. 
The  apparent  differences  have  come  through  ignorance,  but  the  object 
of  the  true  religion  is  unity  and  love. 

Consider  how  ignorant  and  rapacious  is  man.  Domestic  animals  live 
with  their  kind  in  peace  and  harmony.  If  you  bring  together  sheep  from 
various  countries,  from  France,  Persia,  America,  etc.,  not  one  would 
contend,  "I  am  a  Persian  sheep,"  or  "I  am  an  American  sheep."  Let  us 
at  least  live  together  as  these  animals  would.  Is  it  fitting  that  we  should 
be  more  savage  than  they?  Again,  if  you  collect  in  one  room  doves  from 
Asia,  Europe,  Africa,  America  and  Australia,  cooingly  they  will  love 
one  another. 

Man  who  is  endowed  with  intelligence  must  not  be  less  than  they,  for 
the  greatest  bounty  in  the  world  of  existence  is  the  mind,  which  should 
lead  men  to  love  and  concord.  We  must  exercise  the  functions  of  such  a 
holy  power  in  the  path  of  love  and  not  expend  it  upon  the  inventions  of 
Krupp  guns,  Mauser  rifles  and  Maxim's  rapid-firing  cannon.  God  has 
not  given  us  intellects  for  the  purpose  of  making  instruments  of  destruc- 


ABDUL  BAHA  117 

tion;  He  has  granted  us  this  power  that  we  may  be  diff users  of  light; 
create  love  between  hearts,  establish  communion  between  spirits,  and 
bring  together  the  people  of  the  East  and  the  West.  Has  the  Divinity 
conferred  upon  us  this  blessed  power  only  to  carry  devastation  and  ruin 
into  other  countries? 

Every  cherished  effort  must  extend  its  powers  to  other  souls.  Is  there 
anj'thing  more  cherished  than  the  mind  of  man?  We  must  expend  these 
faculties  of  reason  in  the  cause  of  human  union,  for  we  are  all  the  children 
of  Adam.  An  invisible  spiritual  power  is  ever  exercising  an  influence 
over  the  hearts  and  minds  of  men.  Why  should  we  abandon  the  holy 
power  which  binds  us  together  and  cleave  to  the  barbarous  traditions 
which  keep  us  apart?  *  *  * 

If  this  warfare  and  conflict  are  not  entirely  effaced,  and  if  the  whole 
world  of  humanity  is  not  united  and  in  accord,  and  the  various  races  do 
not  associate  with  each  other,  then  how  can  we  ever  aspire  to  the  realiza- 
tion of  that  dream  of  the  millennium  of  which  it  is  said:  "The  earth  will 
be  transformed  into  a  delectable  paradise  and  all  the  children  of  men  will 
live  in  the  utmost  happiness." 

If  the  members  of  a  family  are  perfectly  united  it  will  add  to  their 
comfort  and  joy.  If  the  people  of  a  city  are  inspired  with  civic  unity  the 
whole  community  will  advance.  If  the  inhabitants  of  a  great  continent 
are  united  marvelous  progress  will  be  made,  and  if  the  people  of  the  entire 
globe  are  welded  into  one  great  commonwealth,  the  prayer, "  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  vn\\  be  done  on  earth  as  in  heaven,"  will  be  a  reality,  for  each 
will  have  the  Kingdom  of  God  within  himself. 

Wliat  sublime  happiness!  What  God-inspired  progress!  What  a 
heavenly  ideal!     WTiat  a  divine  disposal! 

I  request  that  each  one  of  you  work  for  this  great  cause  and  hold  fast 
to  every  means  of  harmony;  that  this  bloodthirstiness  may  be  forever 
quenched;  that  the  horizons  of  the  world  may  become  illumined  by  the 
rays  of  a  di\'ine  humanity  and  the  East  and  the  West  become  radiant 
with  the  light  of  its  Lord. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,     pp.  147-150. 

The  Cause  of  God  is  the  only  panacea  that  wall  heal  for  all  time  to 
come  the  social,  economic  and  political  diseases  of  mankind.  The  revela- 
tion of  Baha'o'llah  is  the  tree  that  will  send  its  outstretched  branches  to 
all  the  countries  and  under  its  cool  shade  all  the  reUgions  and  sects  will 
gather  there  to  fraternize  and  associate  with  each  other.  The  world  is 
full  of  ideas,  but  they  are  either  fleeting,  or  profitless,  or  impractical,  or 
limited  in  their  influence,  or  confined  within  a  narrow  scope.  The  beaming 
shafts  of  the  light  of  cosmic  ideals  must  pierce  through  the  hearts  of  men 
and  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  necessary  to  carry  into  execution  these 
noble  thoughts  of  the  age.  Human  power  is  limited  in  its  influence.  It 
can  unite  two  persons,  or  two  tribes,  or  two  communities,  or  at  the  utmost 
two  nations.  At  the  same  time  it  confesses  that  this  unity  is  temporal 
and  may  be  abrogated  by  the  whim  of  either  contracting  parties. 

But  the  divine  power  unites  nations  and  peoples  and  cements  together 
in  a  bond  of  brotherhood  and  peace  for  ages  and  cycles.     His  Hohness 


118  COMPILATION 

Christ  was  one  person  without  any  worldly  assistance  and  help,  but  through 
the  effect  of  the  Holy  Spirit  He  was  enabled  to  unite  many  nations  and 
religions  under  the  standard  of  Christianity.  Likewise  Mohammed 
unified  the  wild,  savage  tribes  of  Arabia  and  made  them  the  conquerors  of 
Asia.  Consequently,  there  must  needs  be  divine  power  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  universal  aim.  Human  power  fails  in  this  undertaking. 
The  words  of  those  souls  who  are  the  essences  of  severance,  who  are 
in  the  utmost  sanctity  and  purity,  will  have  an  effect  upon  the  hearts  of 
men,  the  result  of  which  will  be  unity  and  good  fellowship.  Save  through 
this,  ideal  communication  will  not  be  made  possible  between  the  children 
of  men.  They  may  achieve  a  temporary  union  for  a  few  years.  Men 
may  so  compound  the  various  ingredients  as  to  be  promiscuously  mixed 
together,  but  there  must  needs  be  the  solvent,  so  thai  they  may  become 
perfectly  blended  and  united.  In  the  human  world  that  solvent  is  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  will  thoroughly  mix  and  blend  the  different 
constituents  and  elements  representing  the  various  nationalities,  religions 
and  sects.  I  hope  the  believers  of  God  will  unfurl  the  world  peace  flag, 
because  their  aim  is  altruistic  and  they  are  helped  by  the  confirmation 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Through  the  power  of  God  it  is  possible  for  one 
Bahai  to  guide  one  whole  nation.  Such  spiritual  victories  are  dependent 
upon  the  breaths  and  bestowals  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Dairy,  July  15,  1914. 

When  traveling  about  the  world  we  observe  an  air  of  prosperity  in  any 
country,  we  find  it  to  be  due  to  the  existence  of  love  and  friendship  among 
the  people.  If,  on  the  contrary,  all  seems  depressed  and  poverty  stricken, 
we  may  feel  assured  that  it  is  the  effect  of  animosity  and  of  the  absence  of 
union  among  the  inhabitants. 

Notwithstanding  that  such  a  state  of  things  is  obvious  to  the  passing 
traveler,  how  often  the  people  themselves  continue  in  the  sleep  of  negli- 
gence, or  occupy  themselves  in  disputes  and  differences  and  are  even 
ready  to  slaughter  their  fellowmen. 

Consider  thoughtfully  the  continual  integration  and  disintegration 
of  the  phenomenal  universe.  *  *  *  Unification  and  constructive  com- 
bination are  the  causes  of  life.  Disunion  of  particles  brings  about  loss, 
weakness,  dispersion  and  decay. 

*  *  *  Rivalry  between  the  different  races  of  mankind  was  first  caused 
by  the  struggle  for  existence  among  the  wild  animals.  This  struggle  is  no 
longer  necessary,  nay  rather,  interdependence  and  cooperation  are  seen 
to  produce  the  highest  welfare  in  nations.  The  struggle  that  now  con- 
tinues is  caused  by  prejudice  and  bigotry. 

Today  nothing  but  the  power  of  the  divine  Word,  which  embraces  the 
reality  of  all  things,  can  draw  together  the  minds,  hearts  and  spirits  of  the 
world  under  the  shadow  of  the  heavenly  tree  of  unity. 

The  light  of  the  world  is  now  shining  on  all  horizons.  Races  and 
nations  with  their  different  creeds  are  coming  under  the  influence  of  the 
word  of  unity  in  love  and  in  peace.  *  *  * 

O  dear  friends,  the  world  is  in  a  warlike  condition  and  its  races  are 
hostile  one  to  the  other.     The  darkness  of  difference  surrounds  them 


ABDUL  BAHA  119 

and  the  light  of  kindness  grows  dim.  The  foundations  of  society  are  de- 
stroyed and  the  banners  of  Hfe  and  joy  are  overthrown.  The  leaders  of 
the  people  seem  to  glory  in  shedding  blood.  Friendship,  straightforward- 
ness and  truthfulness  are  despised.  *  *  * 

The  call  to  arbitration,  to  peace,  to  love,  to  loyalty,  is  the  call  of 
Baha'o'llah.  His  standard  floats  since  fifty  years,  summoning  all  of 
whatever  race  and  creed.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  9,  p.  5. 

*  *  *  In  the  day  of  every  universal  dispensation  two  great  events 
occur;  one  is  collection  and  the  other  is  separation.  That  is,  it  will  divide 
the  father  from  the  mother  and  the  brother  from  the  sister.  For  instance, 
when  the  father  believes  and  the  mother  disbelieves,  separation  is  pro- 
duced; when  the  brother  accepts  the  message  and  the  sister  rejects  it, 
division  will  occur;  when  the  son  is  converted  and  the  daughter  is  per- 
verted, partition  will  take  place.  The  well-acquainted  ones  become  as 
foreigners  and  the  friends  as  outsiders;  the  intimate  ones  become  as  in- 
veterate enemies  and  relatives  as  strangers;  it  separated  even  Christ  from 
his  own  brothers.     Such  is  the  power  of  separation. 

In  the  Gosepl  it  is  said :  "  Then  one  said  unto  him,  behold  thy  mother 
and  thy  brethren  stand  without,  desiring  to  speak  with  thee."  But  He 
answered  and  said  unto  him  that  told  him,  "Who  is  my  mother?  And 
who  are  my  brethren?"  And  He  stretched  forth  his  hand  toward  His 
disciples  and  said :  "  Behold  my  mother  and  my  brethren !  For  whosoever 
shall  do  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven,  the  same  is  my  brother, 
and  sister,  and  mother." 

The  other  great  event  is  that  it  makes  the  outsider  as  a  friend  and  the 
remote  one  the  near  one;  just  as  you  see  around  this  table  different  souls 
are  gathered.  Among  them  the  bond  of  commerce,  the  relation  of  kind 
or  of  patriotism  does  not  exist,  but  the  love  of  God  has  gathered  them 
together  and  their  love  and  kindness  to  one  another  is  greater  than  the 
love  of  a  brother  to  a  sister.  They  are  gathered  on  this  spot  with  utmost 
unity  and  harmony,  friendship  and  concord.  Therefore,  the  power  of 
the  Word  of  God  causes  collection  as  well  as  separation.  Although  it 
separates  the  father  from  the  mother  and  the  brother  from  the  sister,  yet  it 
creates  a  thousand  brothers  and  sisters  for  those  in  the  East  and  West 
who  are  in  the  utmost  of  truthfulness  and  sincerity;  as  if  they  hold  the 
station  of  one  being,  the  waves  of  one  ocean,  the  rays  of  one  sun,  the 
flowers  of  one  garden,  the  trees  and  the  birds  of  one  orchard  and  the  candles 
of  one  assembly.  This  is  due  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  if  the  powers  of  the 
world  were  to  be  collected,  they  are  unable  to  gather  you  in  such  a  manner.  *  *  * 

In  the  world  of  existence  every  great  cause,  which  is  the  means  of 
bonds,  of  the  unification  of  humanity,  the  cause  of  solidarity,  and  the 
cause  of  the  manifestation  of  unity,  that  cause  is  divine.  And  what  is  the 
cause  of  hostility,  and  dispersion,  war  and  rancor?  That  is  the  worldly 
effect.  For  collection,  unification  and  composition  are  the  means  of  life. 
And  that  which  causes  separation  and  decomposition  is  the  means  of 
death.  The  existence  of  all  beings  is  created  for  collection  and  harmony. 
All  of  these  beings  receive  their  existence  through  the  collection  of  different 


120  COMPILATION 

members,  ingredients  and  simple  particles.  From  each  composition  a 
being  is  produced,  therefore  an  infinite  number  of  beings  exist.  For 
instance,  this  flower  is  composed  from  the  composition  of  different  ele- 
ments, and  the  gathering  of  simple  particles.  This  is  called  a  being;  and 
when  among  these  elements  decomposition  occurs,  these  ingredients 
separate,  death  slips  in  and  it  is  annihilated.  Hence  it  is  evident  that 
composition  and  gathering  cause  life,  and  decomposition  and  disunion 
cause  death.  Thus,  every  matter  which  leads  to  unity  and  gathering 
cause  life,  and  that  which  causes  separation  is  the  means  of  death. 

The  first  and  the  greatest  cause  which  is  the  means  of  universal  gather- 
ing is  the  Word  of  God;  that  different  nations,  different  religions  and 
creeds,  are  all  gathered  under  the  shade  of  one  great  tent.  Power  is  pro- 
duced by  collection.  The  more  the  gathering,  the  more  the  power;  and 
as  the  Word  of  God  is  a  collective  power,  and  as  there  is  no  such  power 
parallel  to  it  in  the  world,  therefore,  the  powers  of  the  world  cannot  resist 
the  Word  of  God.  That  same  power  has  gathered  us  now.  That  same 
power  has  connected  our  hearts  together,  and  that  same  power  is  the 
spirit  which  confers  life  unto  the  soul. 

Abdul  Baha.     Notes  of  I.  D,  B.,  Acca,  October,  1909. 

I  am  most  pleased  with  these  expressions  of  kindly  feeling  and  evidences 
of  spiritual  susceptibility.  Tonight  I  am  very  happy  in  the  realization 
that  our  aims  and  purposes  are  one,  our  desires  and  longings  are  one. 
This  is  a  reflection  and  evidence  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity, 
and  of  intention  toward  accomplishment  of  the  Most  Great  Peace;  there- 
fore, we  are  united  in  intention  and  desire.  In  the  world  of  existence  there 
are  no  greater  questions  than  these. 

Oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  insures  the  glorification  of  man. 
International  peace  is  the  assurance  of  the  welfare  of  all  human  kind. 
There  are  no  greater  motives  and  purposes  in  the  human  soul.  As  we  are 
agreed  upon  them  the  certainty  of  unity  and  concord  between  Bahais  and 
Theosophisis  is  most  hopeful.  Their  purposes  are  one,  their  desires  are 
one,  and  spiritual  susceptibilities  are  common  to  both.  Their  attention 
is  devoted  to  the  divine  Kingdom;  they  partake  alike  of  its  bounty. 

Today  the  human  world  is  in  need  of  a  great  power  by  which  these 
glorious  principles  and  purposes  maybe  executed.  The  cause  of  peace  is 
a  very  great  cause;  it  is  the  cause  of  God,  and  all  the  forces  of  the  world 
are  opposed  to  it.  Governments,  for  instance,  consider  militarism  as 
the  step  to  human  progress;  that  division  among  men  and  nations  is  the 
cause  of  patriotism  and  honor;  that  if  one  nation  attack  and  conquer 
another,  gaining  wealth,  territory  and  glory  thereby,  this  warfare  and 
conquest,  this  bloodshed  and  cruelty,  are  the  causes  of  that  victorious 
nation's  advancement  and  prosperity.  This  is  an  utter  mistake.  Com- 
pare the  nations  of  the  world  to  the  members  of  a  family.  A  family  is  a 
nation  in  miniature.  Simply  enlarge  the  circle  of  the  household  and  you 
have  the  nation.  Enlarge  the  circle  of  nations  and  you  have  all  humanity. 
The  conditions  surrounding  the  family  surround  the  nation.  The  happen- 
ings in  the  family  are  the  happenings  in  the  life  of  the  nation.  Would  it 
add  to  the  progress  and  advancement  of  a  family  if  dissensions  should 


ABDUL  BAHA  121 

arise  among  its  members,  fighting,  pillaging  each  other,  jealous  and  re- 
vengeful of  injury,  seeking  selfish  advantage  one  over  another?  Nay,  it 
would  be  the  cause  of  the  efiFacement  of  progress  and  advancement.  So 
it  is  in  the  great  family  of  nations,  for  nations  are  but  an  aggregate  of 
families.  Therefore,  as  strife  and  dissension  destroy  a  family  and  prevent 
its  progress,  so  nations  are  destroyed  and  advancement  hindered. 

Briefly,  all  the  heavenly  books,  divine  prophets,  sages  and  philosophers 
agree  that  warfare  is  destructive  to  human  development  and  peace  con- 
structive. They  all  agree  that  war  and  strife  strike  at  the  foundations 
of  humanity.  Therefore,  a  power  is  needed  to  prevent  war  and  to  proclaim 
and  establish  the  oneness  of  humanity. 

But  knowledge  of  the  need  of  this  power  is  not  sufficient.  Realizing 
that  wealth  is  desirable  is  not  becoming  wealthy.  The  admission  that 
scientific  attainment  is  praiseworthy  does  not  confer  scientific  knowledge. 
Acknowledgment  of  the  excellence  of  honor  does  not  make  a  man  honor- 
able. Knowledge  of  the  human  conditions  and  the  needed  remedy  for 
them  is  not  the  cause  of  their  betterment.  To  admit  that  health  is  good 
does  not  constitute  health.  A  skilled  physician  is  needed  to  remedy 
existing  human  conditions.  As  a  physician  is  required  to  have  complete 
knowledge  of  pathology  and  diagnosis,  of  therapeutics  and  treatment,  so 
this  world  physician  must  be  wise,  skillful  and  capable  before  health  will 
result.  His  mere  knowledge  is  not  health;  it  must  be  applied  and  the 
remedy  carried  out. 

The  attainment  of  any  object  is  conditioned  upon: 
First  —  Knowledge. 
Second  —  Volition. 
Third  —  Action. 

Unless  these  three  conditions  are  forthcoming  there  is  no  execution 
or  accomplishment.  In  the  erection  of  a  house  it  is  first  necessary  to 
know  the  ground  and  design  the  house  suitable  for  it.  Second,  to  obtain 
the  means  or  wealth  necessary  for  the  construction.  Third,  to  actually 
build  it.  Therefore,  it  is  evident  that  a  power  is  needed  to  carry  out  and 
execute  what  is  known  and  admitted  to  be  the  remedy  for  human  con- 
ditions; namely,  the  unification  of  mankind. 

Furthermore,  it  is  evident  that  this  cannot  be  realized  through  material 
process  and  means.  The  accomplishment  of  this  unification  cannot  be 
through  racial  power,  for  races  are  different  and  diverse  in  tendencies.  It 
cannot  be  through  a  patriotic  power,  for  nationalities  are  unlike.  Nor 
can  it  be  effected  through  political  power  since  the  policies  of  governments 
and  nations  are  various. 

That  is  to  say,  any  effort  toward  unification  through  these  material 
means  would  benefit  one  and  injure  another  because  of  unequal  and  in- 
dividual interests.  Some  may  believe  this  great  remedy  can  be  found  in 
dogmatic  insistence  upon  imitations  and  interpretations.  No,  this  would 
be  without  foundation  and  result.  Therefore,  it  is  evident  that  no  means 
but  an  ideal  means,  a  spiritual  power,  divine  bestowals,  and  the  breaths 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  will  heal  this  world-sickness  of  war,  dissension  and  dis- 
cord. Nothing  else  is  possible;  nothing  can  be  conceived  of.  But  through 
spiritual  means  and  the  divine  power  it  is  possible  and  feasible. 


122  COMPILATION 

Consider  history.  What  has  brought  unity  to  nations,  morahty  to 
peoples  and  benefits  to  mankind?  If  we  reflect  upon  it  we  will  find  that 
establishing  the  divine  religions  has  been  the  greatest  means  toward  ac- 
complishing the  oneness  of  humanity.  The  foundation  of  divine  reality  in 
religion  has  done  this,  not  imitations.  Imitations  are  opposed  to  each 
other  and  have  ever  been  the  cause  of  strife,  enmity,  jealousy  and  war. 
The  divine  religions  are  collective  centers  in  which  diverse  standpoints 
may  meet,  agree  and  unify.  They  accomplish  oneness  of  nativities,  races 
and  policies.  For  instance.  His  Holiness  Christ  united  various  nations, 
brought  peace  to  warring  peoples  and  established  the  oneness  of  human 
kind.  The  conquering  Greeks  and  Romans,  the  prejudiced  Egyptians 
and  Assyrians  were  all  in  a  condition  of  strife,  enmity  and  war,  but  His 
Holiness  gathered  these  varied  peoples  together  and  removed  the  founda- 
tions of  discord;  not  through  racial,  patriotic,  or  political  power,  but 
through  divine  power,  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  was  not  other- 
wise possible.  AH  other  efforts  of  men  and  nations  remain  as  mere  mention 
in  history  —  without  accomplishment. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  55. 

In  this  Cause  we  have  many  principles  to  which  to  adhere;  the  most 
important  is  to  avoid  that  which  creates  division.  Remember  that  we 
are  all  servants  of  the  one  God,  the  flock  of  one  shepherd.  We  must  have 
the  same  aspirations  and  become  as  one  nation.  Humanity  must  feel 
entirely  united. 

The  barriers  men  set  against  one  another  with  a  force  of  hatred,  have 
made  them  enemies,  till  the  forces  of  division  seem  stronger  than  the  forces 
of  union,  for,  until  this  glorious  century,  the  force  of  union  has  not  been  able 
to  prevent  the  forces  of  division  from  augmenting.  People  never  reflect 
that  they  are  brothers,  the  inhabitants  of  one  earth. 

A  divine  power  is  necessary  to  unite  the  world,  for  only  the  divine 
power  is  able  to  triumph  over  these  religious,  racial  and  patriotic  prejudices. 
In  the  time  of  Christ,  how  many  divisions  there  were,  but  His  influence  has 
been  able  to  unite  many  peoples.  Alas,  they  have  lost  sight  of  His  most 
important  principles  and  are  in  a  way  to  forget  them  entirely. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.   70. 

The  philosophers  of  Europe  and  America  have  an  idea  that  the  question 
of  unity  may  be  settled  among  the  people  and  they  have  tried  very  much. 
They  have  conceived  this  idea  and  have  written  many  books  concerning 
this  matter,  but  they  have  not  been  able  to  solve  it,  for  differences  and 
opposition  have  been  raised  more  than  before. 

In  olden  times  if  a  war  took  place  there  would  be  gathered  by  each 
party  about  one  hundred  thousand  men,  and  during  one  year  perhaps 
seven  or  eight  thousand  would  be  kiUed.  But  now,  in  this  age,  in  the 
war  between  Russia  and  Japan  about  one  and  a  half  million  were  called  to 
arms  and  one-third  of  that  number  was  lost  and  a  half  million  were  wounded 
or  sick.     Such  a  war  has  never  before  occurred.  \^ 

Therefore,  we  say  that  what  the  philosophers  tried  is  without  result, 
useless.     But  the  power  of  the  Word  of  God  will  unite  East  and  West. 


ABDUL  BAHA  123 

The  philosophers  wished  to  promulgate  their  idea,  but  they  had  not  the 
power  to  render  it  effective.  Theirs  were  only  ideas  and  thoughts  and 
nothing  else.  But  the  power  of  God  gives  the  idea  to  the  people,  and  also 
the  power  to  execute  it. 

When  we  look  upon  existence  we  find  that  all  things,  all  existence,  is 
composed  of  many  elements.  For  instance,  this  flower  is  composed  of 
different  elements.  These  elements  have  found  unity  with  each  other. 
What  is  the  result?  As  dust  it  was  nothing,  but  after  it  was  composed  it 
became  a  flower. 

If  there  should  not  be  decomposition,  composition  would  not  be.  For 
instance,  take  several  things:  Until  the  different  things  are  separately 
decomposed,  composition  and  union  is  impossible.  For  example,  if  you 
wish  the  dust  and  stone  and  wood  to  be  mixed  perfectly  with  each  other, 
it  is  impossible  unless  each  be  decomposed  into  its  salts;  when  we  have  de- 
solved  them  then  we  can  compose  them.  For  instance,  in  a  pharmacy 
they  first  dissolve  the  medicines,  then  bring  them  together  and  then  they 
give  a  firm  union.     Before  dissolution  composition  is  impossible. 

Therefore,  the  Word  of  God  decomposes  the  selfishness  of  people,  their 
evil  habits,  their  bad  morals,  and  afterward  composes  them.  If  such  a 
thing  does  not  happen,  perfect  union  cannot  be  attained.  The  philoso- 
phers failed  to  do  these  things. 

The  power  of  the  Word  takes  away  the  ideas  of  the  nations  —  as  with  the 
Jews,  the  Christians  and  Mohammedans  —  and  gives  them  and  other 
nations  a  new  idea  through  which  they  become  united,  the  different 
nations  become  as  one.  For  instance,  Christ  appeared;  the  Jews  believed 
in  Him;  the  Romans,  Greeks,  Anglo-Saxons  believed  in  Him.  So  He 
gathered  all  again  and  made  them  one,  made  them  Christians.  The 
religions  that  were  before  Christianity  were  abolished.  This  was  done 
through  the  Word  of  God.  It  cannot  be  done  through  the  power  of 
philosophers.  Abdul  Baha.     Table  Talks  at  Acca,  pp.  9-11. 


UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

The  eighth  of  His  (Baha'o'llah's)  teachings  is  universal  peace;  that  all 
men  and  nations  shall  make  peace  amongst  them;  that  there  shall  be 
universal  peace  amongst  governments,  universal  peace  amongst  races,  uni- 
versal peace  amongst  religions,  universal  peace  amongst  the  denizens  of 
all  regions.  This  is  one  of  the  special  characteristics  of  the  revelation  of 
Baha'o'llah.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  254. 

Question:    "What  is  the  greatest  need  of  the  world  of  humanity?" 
Answer:   Today  in  the  world  of  humanity  the  most  important  matter 
is  the  question  of  universal  peace.     The  realization  of  this  principle  is  the 
crying  need  of  the  time.     People  have  become  restive  and  discontented. 

The  political  life  of  every  civilized  nation  has  become  a  vast  arena  for 
the  exhibition  of  militarism  and  the  display  of  martial  spirit.  The  minds 
of  the  statesmen  and  cabinet  ministers  of  every  government  are  chiefly 
occupied  with  the  question  of  war,  and  the  council  chambers  are  resounding 


124  COMPILATION 

with  the  call  to  war.  Self-interest  is  at  the  bottom  of  every  war.  Greed, 
commerce,  exploitation,  the  pushing  further  of  the  boundaries  of  the  king- 
dom, colonization,  the  preservation  of  the  treaty  rights,  the  safeguarding 
of  the  lives  and  interests  of  the  citizens,  are  a  few  of  the  pretexts  of  going 
into  war.  And  it  has  been  proven  by  experience  that  the  results  of  war  are 
ruinous,  both  to  the  conquerors  and  the  conquered.  Countries  are  laid 
waste,  public  property  trampled  under  foot,  commerce  is  paralyzed,  fields 
crimsoned  with  innocent  blood,  and  the  progress  of  the  world  retarded. 
How  can  a  person  rectify  a  wrong  by  committing  a  greater  WTong  —  shed- 
ding the  blood  of  his  brothers? 

The  major  part  of  the  revenue  of  every  country  is  expended  over  mili- 
tary preparations,  infernal  engines,  the  filling  of  arsenals  with  powder  and 
shot,  the  construction  of  rapid-firing  guns,  the  building  of  fortifications 
and  soldiers'  barracks  and  the  annual  maintenance  of  the  army  and  navy. 
From  the  peasants  upward,  every  class  of  society  is  heavily  taxed  to  feed 
this  insatiable  monster  of  war.  The  poor  people  have  wrested  from  them 
all  that  they  make  with  the  sweat  of  their  brows  and  the  labor  of  their 
hands. 

In  reality  war  is  continuous.  The  moral  effect  of  the  expenditures  of 
these  colossal  sums  of  money  for  military  purposes  is  just  as  deteriorating 
as  the  actual  war  and  its  train  of  dreadful  carnage  and  horrors.  The  ideal 
and  artistic  forces  of  the  contending  parties  become  barbaric  and  bestial, 
the  spiritual  powers  are  stunted  and  the  laws  of  divine  civilization  are 
disregarded.  Such  a  financial  drain  ossifies  the  veins  and  muscles  of  the 
body-politic,  and  congeals  the  delicate  sensibilities  of  the  spirit. 

There  is  not  the  least  doubt  that  the  nation  or  the  government  which 
puts  forward  an  extraordinary  effort  in  the  promotion  of  universal  peace, 
will  be  encircled  with  divine  confirmations,  and  will  be  the  object  of  honor 
and  respect  among  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth.  Such  an  action  will 
become  conducive  to  the  prosperity  and  well-being  of  mankind. 

Concerning  this  question  of  universal  peace,  fifty  years  ago  His  Holi- 
ness Baha'o'llah  wrote  to  all  the  sovereigns  and  monarchs  of  the  world, 
explaining  in  detail  the  benefits  of  peace  and  the  evils  of  bloodshed.  Among 
other  things  He  hath  said:  "Originally  mankind  was  one  family,  united 
and  compact;  later  the  members  of  this  happy  family  were  divided  and 
subdivided  through  ignorance  and  prejudice.  Now  the  time  has  come 
again  for  their  final  unification.  Universal  peace  will  bring  about  this 
long-wished-for  consummation." 

Once  the  ParUament  of  Man  is  established  and  its  constituent  parts 
organized,  the  governments  of  the  world  having  entered  into  a  covenant 
of  eternal  friendship  will  have  no  need  of  keeping  large  standing  armies 
and  navies.  A  few  battalions  to  preserve  internal  order,  and  an  inter- 
national police  to  keep  the  highways  of  the  seas  clear,  are  all  that  will  be 
necessary.  Then  these  huge  sums  will  be  diverted  to  other  more  useful 
channels,  pauperism  will  disappear,  knowledge  will  increase,  the  victories 
of  peace  will  be  sung  by  poets  and  bards,  knowledge  will  improve  the  con- 
ditions and  mankind  will  be  rocked  in  the  cradle  of  felicity  and  bliss.  Then, 
whether  a  government  is  constitutional  or  republican,  hereditary  monarchy 
or  democratic,  the  rulers  will  devote  their  time  to  the  prosperity  of  their 


ABDUL  BAHA  125 

nations,  the  legislation  of  just  and  sane  laws  and  the  fostering  of  closer  and 
more  amicable  relations  with  their  neighbors  —  thus  will  the  world  of 
humanity  become  a  mirror  reflecting  the  virtues  and  attributes  of  the  King- 
dom of  God.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  115,  May,  1914. 

*  *  *  Every  century  holds  the  solution  of  one  predominating  problem. 
Although  there  may  be  many  problems,  yet  one  of  the  innumerable  prob- 
lems will  loom  large  and  become  the  most  important  of  all. 

In  the  past  century  the  most  important  question  that  occupied  the 
mind  of  man  was  the  establishment  of  political  freedom  and  this  aim  was 
more  or  less  spread  broadcast.  But  in  this  luminous  century  the  greatest 
bestowal  of  the  world  of  humanity  is  universal  peace,  which  must  be 
founded,  so  that  the  realm  of  creation  may  obtain  composure;  the  East 
and  the  West,  which  include  in  their  arms  the  five  continents  of  the  globe, 
may  embrace  each  other,  mankind  may  rest  beneath  the  tent  of  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity,  and  the  flag  of  universal  peace  may  wave  over 
all  the  regions. 

As  long  as  this  sentiment  has  not  become  the  light  of  the  assemblages 
of  the  world  of  humanity,  eternal  prosperity  will  not  be  obtained  and  es- 
trangement will  not  be  changed  into  good  fellowship.  Like  unto  a  spirit, 
this  ideal  must  run  and  circulate  through  the  veins  and  arteries  of  the  body 
of  the  world.  *  *  * 

According  to  the  incontrovertible  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  and  His 
irrefutable  commands,  the  Bahais  must  interest  themselves  and  be  ever 
ready  to  give  up  even  their  lives  in  the  furtherance  of  all  the  international 
problems  which  are  the  fruits  of  good  intention  and  based  on  the  principles 
of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity,  especially  the  question  of  uni- 
versal peace.  They  are  ever  ready  and  prepared  to  serve.  Unquestion- 
ably up  to  this  time  more  than  20,000  people  have  hastened  towards  the 
arena  of  martyrdom  for  the  promotion  of  these  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah. 
They  have  sacrificed  their  possessions,  wealth  and  lives. 

All  the  great  movements  have  advanced  through  altruism,  selflessness 
and  self-sacrifice,  and  not  through  the  interchange  of  public  opinions.  It 
is  my  hope  that  all  of  us  with  the  greatest  power  may  arise  to  serve  this 
most  important  cause  and  become  the  means  of  the  welfare  of  the  world 
of  humanity. 

You  have  observed  that  the  greatest  forces  of  the  civilized  nations  are 
spent  over  the  accumulation  of  the  means  of  warfare.  Considering  these 
gloomy  conditions,  how  do  we  expect  that  peace  and  conciliation  be  realized.'^ 
Strive  ye  with  all  your  hearts  and  souls  so  that  these  colossal  powers  may 
be  expended  in  that  which  would  be  conducive  to  secure  general  welfare 
and  prosperity.  May  they  become  the  means  of  life  and  not  destroy  the 
edifice  of  man.  May  they  confer  fellowship  upon  the  hearts  and  not 
create  hatred  and  enmity  through  imaginary  ideas.  This  is  the  hope  of 
the  well-wishers  of  the  world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p.  136. 

Today  the  most  great  service  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  is  the  promotion 
of  the  principle  of  the  unification  of  mankind  and  the  establishment  of 


126  COMPILATION 

universal  peace.  A  number  of  souls  who  were  doctrinaires  and  impractical 
thinkers  worked  for  the  realization  of  this  most  exalted  aim  and  good 
cause,  but  they  were  doomed  to  failure,  save  that  lofty  personage  who  has 
been  and  is  still  promoting  the  matter  of  international  arbitration  and 
general  conciliation  through  deeds,  words,  self-sacrifice  and  the  generous 
donation  of  wealth  and  property.  Rest  tliou  assured  that  through  the 
confirmation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  thou  wilt  become  confirmed  and  assisted 
in  the  accomplishment  of  this  most  resplendent  service,  and  in  this  mortal 
world  thou  shalt  lay  the  foundation  of  an  immortal,  everlasting  edifice, 
and  in  the  end  thou  wilt  sit  upon  the  throne  of  incorruptible  glory  in  the 
Kingdom  of  God. 

All  the  leaders  and  statesmen  of  Europe  are  thinking  on  the  plane  of 
war  and  the  annihilation  of  the  mansion  of  humanity;  but  thou  art  thinking 
on  the  plane  of  peace  and  love  and  the  strengthening  and  reinforcement 
of  the  basis  of  the  superstructure  of  the  human  world.  They  are  the 
heralds  of  death,  thou  art  the  harbinger  of  life.  The  foundations  of  their 
palaces  are  unstable  and  wavering,  and  the  turrets  of  their  mansions  are 
tottering  and  crumbling,  but  the  basis  of  thy  structure  is  firm  and  im- 
movable. 

While  I  was  journeying  throughout  America  and  Europe  (1912),  I 
cried  before  all  the  meetings,  conventions  and  churches : 

O  ye  noble  friends!  The  world  of  humanity  is  facing  in  the  future  a 
most  portentous  danger  and  supreme  calamity.  The  continent  of  Europe 
has  become  like  unto  a  gunpowder  magazine  and  arsenal,  under  which  are 
hidden  combustible  materials  of  the  most  inflammatory  nature.  Its 
combustion  will  be  dependent  upon  the  sudden  and  unexpected  enkindle- 
ment  of  one  tiny  spark  which  shall  envelop  the  whole  earth  with  a  world- 
wide conflagration,  causing  the  total  collapse  of  European  civilization 
through  the  furious,  wild,  raging,  fiery  tongues  of  war.  Therefore,  O  ye 
well-wishers  of  the  world  of  humanity,  endeavor  by  day  and  by  night  so 
that  these  inflammable  materials  may  not  come  in  touch  with  the  burning 
fire  of  racial  antipathy  and  hatred.  Today  the  life  of  mankind  and  its 
attainment  to  everlasting  glory  depend  on  its  display  of  effort  and  exertion 
in  accord  with  the  principles  of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'Uah;  for  His  first  and 
foremost  teaching  consists  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  *  *  * 

Another  of  His  most  great  institutes  deals  with  the  subject  of  universal 
peace,  the  establishment  of  which  would  be  conducive  to  the  well-being 
and  progress  and  tranquility  of  the  commonwealth  of  man.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  Today  the  most  important  purpose  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  is  the 
promulgation  of  the  cause  of  universal  peace  and  the  principle  of  the  one- 
ness of  the  world  of  humanity.  Whosoever  arises  in  the  accomplishment 
of  this  preeminent  service  the  confirmation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  will  descend 
upon  him. 

Now  all  that  has  been  predicted  has  come  to  pass  and  the  lurid  flames 
of  this  war  have  emblazoned  the  horizon  of  the  East  and  the  West,  causing 
a  reverberating  social  earthquake  through  the  columns  of  the  earth.  After 
this  war  the  workers  for  the  cause  of  universal  peace  will  increase  day  by 
day  and  the  pacific  party  will  array  its  force,  displaying  great  activity 
with  better  advantage,  in  the  end  gaining  a  permanent  triumph  and  an 


ABDUL  BAHA  127 

eternal  victory  over  all  the  other  parties.     The  realization  of  this  matter  is 
incontestible  and  irrefragable. 

Therefore,  ere  long  a  vast  and  unlimited  field  \\ill  be  opened  before 
your  view  for  the  display  of  your  powers  and  energies.  You  must  promote 
this  glorious  intention  with  the  heavenly  power  and  confirmation  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  I  am  praying  in  thy  behalf  that  thou  mayest  erect  a  pavihon 
and  unfurl  a  flag  in  the  world  of  peace,  love  and  eternal   life. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  82. 

I  am  thankful  for  the  susceptibilities  of  your  hearts,  for  I  discover  that 
the  greatest  desire  of  all  of  you  is  no  other  than  international  peace.  You 
are  all  lovers  of  the  oneness  of  humanity,  you  are  all  seekers  after  the  good 
pleasure  of  the  Lord  and  you  all  investigate  the  foundations  of  the  divine 
religions. 

Today  there  is  no  greater  glory  for  man  than  that  of  service  in  the  cause 
of  the  Most  Great  Peace,  for  peace  is  light,  whereas  war  is  darkness.  Peace 
is  life,  whereas  war  is  death.  Peace  is  guidance,  whereas  war  is  misguid- 
ance. Peace  is  the  foundation  of  God,  war  is  the  satanic  institution. 
Peace  is  conducive  to  the  illumination  of  the  world  of  humanity,  whereas 
war  is  the  destroyer  of  the  human  foundation. 

When  we  glance  at  the  outcome  of  phenomena  we  observe  that  peace 
and  amity  are  factors  of  existence,  whereas  war  and  strife  are  the  cause 
of  decomposition.  All  the  phenomenal  objects  which  we  see  are  expres- 
sions of  the  amity  or  affinity  of  elementary  substance,  and  non-existence 
is  no  other  than  lack  of  amity,  or  discord. 

For  example,  various  elements  have  come  together,  have  imited  and 
entered  into  a  mixture,  the  outcome  of  which  is  composite  being.  When 
these  elements  become  discordant,  shunning  one  another,  non-existence 
vi'ill  result.  All  phenomenal  beings  are  likewise,  for  the  foundation  of  God 
in  all  the  degrees  and  kingdoms  is  an  expression  or  outcome  of  love. 

Consider  how  the  human  world  is  ever  restless  because  of  war.  Peace 
is  health,  whereas  war  is  illness.  When  the  banner  of  truth  is  raised,  peace 
becomes  the  cause  of  the  welfare  and  well-being  of  the  human  world.  In 
all  cycles  and  all  ages  war  has  been  a  factor  of  discomfort,  whereas  peace 
and  amity  have  been  conducive  to  comfort  and  welfare;  especially  in  this 
century,  because  in  former  centuries  warfare  did  not  attain  to  the  savagery 
which  now  characterizes  it.  If  two  powers  or  nations  waged  war  against 
each  other,  at  most  ten  thousand  or  twenty  thousand  would  be  sacrificed, 
but  in  this  century  if  war  be  declared  in  one  day  it  is  possible  to  do  away 
with  one  hundred  thousand  human  souls,  for  decisive  instruments  of 
destruction  have  been  invented  with  which  it  is  possible  to  destroy  a  coun- 
try in  an  hour.  It  is  possible  to  render  non-existent  a  whole  nation  in  a 
day.  So  perfected  has  become  the  science  of  war,  results  today  cannot  be 
compared  with  results  in  the  past  ages.  It  is  a  certain  law  of  being  that 
for  every  phenomenal  thing  there  is  a  consummation  and  because  the  in- 
struments of  war  have  attained  this  thoroughness  and  perfection,  it  is 
hoped  that  now  they  will  be  transformed  for  peaceful  purposes. 

Therefore,  all  of  us  are  hopeful  that  this  revered  society  for  interna- 
tional peace,  according  to  its  sincere  intentions  may  be  confirmed  and  re- 


128  COMPILATION 

inforced  by  God.  Thus  may  the  society  contribute  to  the  time  when  the 
banner  of  international  peace  will  be  hoisted  and  universal  peace  shall  be 
proclaimed;  when  the  cause  of  international  welfare  shall  consummate 
and  this  darkness  which  encompasses  the  world  pass  away.  Sixty  years 
ago  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  was  in  Persia.  Seventy  years  ago  His  Holi- 
ness the  Bab  appeared.  The  institutions  of  these  blessed  souls  were  for 
international  peace  and  love  among  mankind.  They  put  forth  eflForts 
with  their  lives  and  souls  in  order  to  bring  together  divergent  people,  until 
no  strife  should  remain,  no  rancor  or  hatred  prevail.  *  *  *  You  must 
consort  with  each  other  and  associate  with  one  another  in  perfect  amity  and 
accord,  for  He  pronounced  religious  prejudice,  racial  prejudice,  patriotic 
prejudice  and  political  prejudice  to  be  the  destroyers  of  the  body-politic. 
You  must  look  at  the  oneness  which  exists  in  humanity.  Originally  you 
belong  to  the  same  household.  You  are  the  servants  of  the  same  God. 
You  are  all  of  human  kind  and  it  is  becoming  that  you  should  be  in  the 
state  of  utmost  love.  You  must  emulate  the  institutions  of  God  and  shun 
Satanic  promptings,  for  the  divine  bestowals  are  ever  conducive  to  unity 
and  accord,  whereas  satanic  promptings  call  man  to  strife  and  war. 

*  *  *  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  was  imprisoned  and  endured  the  utmost 
persecution.  Finally  He  was  exiled  from  Persia  to  Mesopotamia;  from 
Bagdad  He  was  sent  to  Roumelia  and  from  Roumelia  He  was  banished  to 
the  prison  of  Acca.  Through  all  these  ordeals  day  and  night  did  He  strive, 
proclaiming  the  oneness  of  humanity  and  promulgating  the  Most  Great 
Peace.  From  the  prison  of  Acca  He  addressed  all  the  kings  and  crowned 
heads  of  the  earth. 

He  wrote  lengthy  letters  to  them  (the  crowned  heads  of  the  world), 
summoning  all  of  them  to  international  peace,  expressly  and  explicitly 
stating  that  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  hoist  its  banner.  The  powers  of  the 
earth  cannot  withstand  it,  for  it  is  one  of  the  privileges  and  bestowals  of 
this  great  and  glorious  century.  It  is  ati  exigency  of  the  time.  Man  can 
withstand  anything  except  that  which  is  divinely  indicated  for  the  time  and 
its  exigencies.  Now,  praise  be  to  God,  in  all  the  countries  of  the  world 
lovers  of  peace  are  to  be  found  and  these  thoughts  are  being  spread  through- 
out humanity;  especially  in  this  country.  Praise  be  to  God,  this  thought 
is  becoming  predominant  and  all  souls  are  defenders  of  the  oneness  of 
humanity;  all  are  endeavoring  to  promulgate  this  international  peace. 
There  is  no  doubt  that  this  revered  democracy  will  be  able  to  realize  it 
and  the  banner  of  international  peace  be  unfurled  here,  permeating  through 
the  other  countries  from  here. 

I  offer  great  thanks  to  God  that  I  find  you  imbued  with  such  suscep- 
tibilities, that  He  has  given  you  such  lofty  thoughts;  and  I  hope  that  you 
will  be  the  cause  of  spreading  this  light  throughout  mankind.  Thus  may 
the  Sun  of  Reality  shine  upon  East  and  West.  The  thick  clouds  shall  pass 
away  and  the  heat  of  the  sun  shall  dispel  the  mist.  The  reality  of  man  shall 
develop.  The  thoughts  of  man  shall  take  such  an  upward  flight  that  for- 
mer thoughts  of  man  shall  appear  in  comparison  as  the  play  of  children; 
for  the  thoughts  of  all  times  and  the  prejudices  of  all  people  with  regard 
to  race  and  religion  have  ever  been  destructive.  I  am  most  hopeful  that  in  this 
century  these  lofty  thoughts  shall  be  conducive  to  the  welfare  of  humanity. 


ABDUL  BAH  A  129 

Let  this  century  be  the  sun  of  previous  centuries,  the  eflFulgence  of 
which  shall  last  forever,  so  that  in  the  times  to  come  they  shall  glorify  the 
twentieth  century,  saying  that  the  twentieth  century  was  the  century  of 
lights,  the  twentieth  century  was  the  century  of  life,  the  twentieth  century 
was  the  century  of  international  peace,  the  twentieth  century  was  the 
century  of  divine  bestowals,  and  the  twentieth  century  has  left  traces 
which  shall  last  forever.         Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  8,  p.  14. 

By  what  process  will  this  peace  on  earth  be  established?  Will  it  come 
at  once  after  a  universal  declaration  of  the  truth? 

Abdul  Baha  replied:  No,  it  will  come  about  gradually.  A  plant  that 
grows  too  quickly  lasts  but  a  short  time.  You  are  my  family,  my  new 
children.  If  a  family  lives  in  unison,  great  results  are  obtained.  Widen 
the  circle:  when  a  city  lives  in  intimate  accord  greater  results  will  follow 
and  a  continent  that  is  fully  united  will  likewise  unite  all  other  continents. 
Then  will  be  the  time  of  the  greatest  results,  for  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  belong  to  one  native  land. 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  109. 

Question:    What  is  your  opinion  about  Turkey  and  the  Balkan  war? 

Abdul  Baha:  We  have  nothing  to  do  with  war.  We  are  advocates 
of  peace.  Speak  to  us  about  the  condition  of  peace.  Go  to  diplomatists 
and  militarists  and  ask  their  opinion  about  this  war.  But  as  regards 
peace:  In  the  world  of  humanity  there  is  no  more  important  affair,  no 
weightier  cause.  It  is  conducive  to  the  well-being  of  the  world  of  creation ; 
the  means  of  prosperity  of  the  nations;  the  reason  of  the  eternal  friendship 
between  the  people;  the  cause  of  solidarity  between  the  East  and  the  West; 
the  promoter  of  real  freedom  and  the  most  eminent  favor  of  His  Highness 
the  Almighty.  We  must  all  strive  to  upraise  the  flag  of  international 
peace,  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  spiritual  brotherhood 
of  mankind.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  207  (1912). 

An  American  passenger  said:  "Why  do  you  go  to  America?" 
Abdul  Baha  answered:  I  go  there  through  the  personal  invitation  of 
the  American  Peace  Societies  and  the  urgent  appeal  of  my  friends.  Be- 
cause the  objects  of  the  Cause  are  universal  peace,  the  oneness  of  the 
world  of  humanity  and  perfect  equality  among  mankind.  As  this  century 
is  the  century  of  light  and  the  cycle  of  the  revelation  of  mysteries,  un- 
doubtedly these  glorious  aims  will  be  fully  established  and  the  influence 
of  this  great  Cause  will  encircle  the  East  and  the  West.   *  *  * 

*  *  *  It  is  my  hope  that  the  American  Peace  Societies  may  consoUdate 
their  forces  and  thus  shoulder  to  shoulder  they  may  render  an  effective 
service  to  mankind. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahjmad's  Diary,  July  20,  1913. 

Then  he  spoke  about  the  arduous  trip  of  America:  The  confirmation 
and  assistance  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  were  my  companions;  otherwise 
this  body  could  never  stand  all  the  difficulties  of  the  voyage.     I  do  not  feel 


130  COMPILATION 

well,  yet  I  work,  I  travel,  I  go  there,  I  am  here.  I  do  not  give  any  im- 
portance to  my  body.  The  wisdom  of  this  is  that  the  believers  may  see 
with  their  own  eyes  that  I  overlook  hardships,  vicissitudes,  sickness  and 
troubles,  so  that  the  Cause  may  be  spread.  Except  the  diffusion  of  the 
fragrances  of  God,  I  desire  nothing.  Save  service  to  the  threshold  of 
Abha  and  to  advance  the  Cause  of  international  peace  and  human  brother- 
hood, I  crave  for  naught  else. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  10, 1913. 

How  is  universal  peace  to  be  established?  By  the  education  of  the 
public  with  the  sentiments  of  peace.  Today  the  full  realization  of  uni- 
versal peace  is  the  panacea  of  every  disease. 

What  are  the  diseases? 

One  of  the  diseases  is  the  impoverishment  of  the  farmers  and  the  middle 
classes  through  the  unbearable  burden  of  war  taxes. 

This  wave  of  military  craze  has  reached  its  height.  It  shall  soon 
recede.  The  income  of  the  farmers  and  others  is  taken  by  the  force  of  a 
military  government  and  expended  foolishly  over  useless  instruments  of 
destruction.  The  prospect  of  every  government  becomes  gloomier  every 
year,  because  the  war  budget  of  every  government  is  being  increased 
without  regard  to  the  feverish  signs  of  social  unrest  and  industrial  up- 
heavals. The  people  are  seething  with  ideas  of  insurrection  and  agitation. 
The  burden  has  become  too  heavy.  The  patience  of  mankind  is  exhausted. 
They  groan  under  this  load,  and  they  grope  in  the  darkness  seeking  the 
light  of  peace  and  brotherhood.  Their  pitiful  cries  ascend  to  the  throne 
of  the  Almighty.  Lo!  Lo!  He  has  listened  to  them;  He  has  answered 
their  prayers.  The  dawn  of  peace  hath  appeared.  The  lights  of  brother- 
hood are  breaking  through  the  dark  clouds  of  human  prejudices.  Lovers 
of  peace,  rejoice !  O  ye  who  are  heavy  laden,  be  happy,  be  happy !  Weep 
no  more,  for  your  loads  will  be  taken  from  you! 

This  military  and  naval  expenditure  is  a  great  disease.  Look  at  the 
results  of  the  war  between  Italy  and  Turkey  how  dreadful  they  are!  The 
fathers  hear  the  news  of  the  death  of  their  sons.  The  sons  are  grieved 
through  the  death  of  their  fathers.  How  many  peaceful  villages  are  laid 
waste !    How  the  wealth  of  two  nations  is  exhausted ! 

The  remedy  of  this  disease  is  through  universal  peace.  This  will  insure 
public  safety.  Today  that  which  is  the  cause  of  dispersion  is  war.  If  the 
nations  enter  into  a  faithful  agreement  to  leave  off  all  war-like  preparation 
at  once,  they  shall  secure  for  themselves  and  their  posterity  eternal  welfare. 
They  shall  become  freed  from  every  difficulty  and  international  confusion. 
This  end  must  be  obtained  through  the  development  of  the  intellects  and  the 
inculcation  of  peaceful  ideals  in  all  the  institutions  of  modern  civilization. 
Abdul  Baha  to  an  American  newspaper  correspondent  on  board  the 
Cedric  as  he  approached  America.     Ahmad's  Diary,  July  20,   1913. 

*  *  *  The  world  of  humanity  is  encompassed  by  the  darkness  of  con- 
ventionalities, disagreements,  discords,  avoidance,  animosity,  enmity, 
ignorance,  folly,  lustful  desires  and  animal  tendencies.     The  gloomy  night 


ABDUL  BAHA  131 

had  darkened  the  horizon  of  the  world  in  such  manner  that  all  had  for- 
gotten the  light  and  deemed  the  darkness  inevitable  in  the  world  of  hu- 
manity, and  its  solution  impossible,  when,  unexpectedly  the  light  of 
reality  appeared  and  enlightened  the  horizon  of  the  world,  diffusing  its 
rays  throughout  the  East  and  the  West,  the  beholding  of  which  instantly 
deUghted  the  perfect  and  perceiving  eyes.  The  imperfect  eyes,  afflicted 
by  the  darkness,  were  dazzled  by  the  radiance,  while  the  negligent  closed 
theirs  and  turned  away  entirely. 

That  hght  is  the  love  of  God,  the  Spirit  of  God,  unity,  concord,  science 
and  knowledge,  bounty  and  perfection,  redemption  of  life,  spiritual  per- 
ception, universal  peace,  alliance  of  the  nations,  unification  of  all  peoples 
and  the  reality  of  the  attributes  of  the  merciful  One.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha,     Tablets,   Vol.    3,   p.   653. 

In  Europe  and  America  many  colleges  and  universities  were  founded; 
many  plays,  as  comedies,  have  been  written  for  the  purpose  of  improving 
morahty,  and  the  greatest  importance  and  moment  has  been  given  to 
cixalization  for  the  express  purpose  of  reforming  morals.  They  have  been 
of  the  opinion  that  the  greatest  means  for  the  development  of  humanity 
is  reformation  of  morals;  whereas  the  most  important  factor  for  the  reforma- 
tion of  morals  is  religion. 

*  *  *  Most  of  the  beloved  of  God  were  ilUterate,  having  never  entered 
schools,  nevertheless  their  good  morals  are  incomparable.  *  *  * 

The  beloved  of  God  have  no  desire  or  intention  save  that  of  the  good 
pleasure  of  the  Lord,  the  divine  will,  that  only  do  they  seek.  The  love 
of  God  is  the  agency  which  encourages  them  in  achieving  philanthropic 
deeds,  directs  them  to  acquire  good  morals,  forces  them  to  good  acts, 
confirms  them  in  withstanding  insurmountable  difficulties  and  makes  them 
prefer  the  welfare  of  others  to  their  own. 

In  Europe,  just  as  sagacious  men  were  graduated  from  the  univer- 
sities, likewise  vicious  and  malicious  men  were  forthcoming  therefrom. 
The  dynamite  or  bomb,  torpedo  and  other  instruments  of  torture  are  all 
results  of  such  education. 

But  the  Kingdom  of  God  is  absolutely  good.  It  quenches  all  this 
fire;  it  effaces  these  guns  and  cannon;  it  transforms  swords  into  olive 
boughs;  it  changes  wars  and  battles  into  love  and  accord. 

Abdul  Baha.     Heavenly   Feast,   p.   21. 

God's  greatest  gift  to  man  is  that  of  intellect,  or  understanding. 

The  understanding  is  the  power  by  which  man  acquires  his  knowledge 
of  the  several  kingdoms  of  creation  and  of  various  stages  of  existence,  as 
well  as  of  much  which  is  invisible.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  We  perceive  in  what  numerous  ways  man  has  been  able  to  bend 
the  powers  of  nature  to  his  will. 

How  grievous  it  is  to  see  how  man  has  used  this  God-given  gift  to  frame 
instruments  of  war,  for  breaking  the  commandment  of  God,  "Thou  shalt 
not  kill,"  and  for  defying  Christ's  injunction  to  "Love  one  another." 

God  gave  this  power  to  man  that  it  might  be  used  for  the  advancement 
of  civihzation,  for  the  good  of  humanity,  to  increase  love  and  concord  and 


132  COMPILATION 

peace.  But  man  prefers  to  use  this  gift  to  destroy  instead  of  to  build, 
for  injustice  and  oppression,  for  hatred  and  discord  and  devastation,  for 
the  destruction  of  his  fellow  creatures,  whom  Christ  has  commanded  that 
he  should  love  as  himself. 

I  hope  that  you  will  use  your  understanding  to  promote  the  unity  and 
tranquility  of  mankind,  to  give  enlightenment  and  civilization  to  the 
people,  to  produce  love  in  all  around  you  and  to  bring  about  the  universal 
peace. 

Study  the  sciences,  acquire  more  and  more  knowledge.  Assuredly  one 
may  learn  to  the  end  of  one's  life.  Use  your  knowledge  always  for  the 
benefit  of  others;  so  may  war  cease  from  off  the  face  of  this  beautiful  earth 
and  a  glorious  edifice  of  peace  and  concord  be  raised.  Strive  that  your 
high  ideals  may  be  realized  in  the  Kingdom  of  God  on  earth,  as  they  will 
be  in  heaven.  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  36. 

The  duty  of  educated  men,  especially  university  presidents  of  the  nation, 
is  this :  To  teach  in  the  universities  and  schools  ideas  concerning  universal 
peace,  so  that  the  student  may  be  so  molded  that  in  after  years  he  may 
help  carry  to  fruition  the  most  useful  and  human  issue  of  mankind. 

Abdul  Baha.      Words  in  San  Francisco,  October  4,  1912. 

Holding  in  his  hand  several  copies  of  his  addresses  published  in  the 
newspapers,  he  (Abdul  Baha)  said: 

The  people  of  this  country  (the  Orient)  are  not  interested  enough  to 
read  these  articles  and  addresses;  and  if  you  ask  from  these  few  who  read 
about  their  contents,  the  only  answer  they  give  is,  "  Very  excellent !  Very 
good ! "  However,  they  read  the  most  unimportant  news  of  the  day.  They 
are  not  thinking  of  these  principles  which  will  upbuild  the  future  civiliza- 
tion of  mankind,  although  they  are  all  acknowledging  the  fact  that  the 
world  of  humanity  is  in  great  danger  and  is  going  through  a  most  crucial 
period.  Although  wars  may  cease  temporarily,  there  is  an  invisible  war 
carried  on  which  is  a  tremendous  economic  loss.  These  unseen  drains  have 
broken  the  financial  back  of  the  nations.  They  do  not  know  by  what 
means  or  instruments  the  comity  of  nations  or  the  peace  of  the  world  can 
be  achieved. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  September  5,  1913. 

Material  brotherhood  will  not  prevent  warfare;  it  does  not  remove 
warfare;  it  does  not  dispel  differences  among  mankind.  But  spiritual 
brotherhood  shall  destroy  the  very  foundation  of  warfare;  it  will  erase 
differences  entirely;  it  will  promulgate  the  oneness  of  humanity;  it  will 
revivify  all  mankind;  it  will  cause  all  hearts  to  turn  to  the  Kingdom  of 
God,  and  all  souls  shall  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  9,  p.  7. 

This  Cause  has  hoisted  the  banner  of  the  unity  of  the  world  of  humanity. 
One  of  the  instruments  which  will  bring  about  imiversal  peace  is  this  very 
war,  so  that  all  the  people  might  be  disgusted  with  this  confusion  of  the 
war,  and  that  all  the  world  of  humanity  might  be  inclined  toward  peace. 


ABDUL  BAHA  133 

A  German  lady  li\'ing  in  Haifa,  whose  son  has  gone  to  the  war,  was  asked : 
"What  news  do  you  have  of  your  son?"  She  replied:  "No  news,  I  have 
one  son  for  whom  I  would  not  take  the  whole  of  France,  but  now  he  is  on 
the  battlefield,  and  if  he  is  killed  all  France  would  not  compensate  me." 
She  is  greatly  distressed.  Surely  all  the  hearts  will  be  disgusted  with  this 
war.  Abdul  Baha.     "Through  Warring  Countries,"  p.  79. 

*  *  *  Inasmuch  as  this  century  is  the  century  of  Ughts,  I  hope  that  the 
lights  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  may  illumine  all  humanity.  May  the  eyes  be 
opened,  may  the  ears  become  attentive;  may  souls  become  resuscitated, 
and  all  consort  together  in  the  utmost  unanimity,  for  all  are  and  shall  be 
the  recipients  of  the  same  light  of  the  Sun  of  ReaUty.  The  lights  of  the 
Sun  of  Reality  shall  shine  upon  all.  Perchance  God  will  remove  this 
strife  of  six  thousand  years.  May  this  bloodshed  pass  away;  may  this 
oppression  and  tyranny  cease;  may  this  warfare  be  ended.  May  the 
light  of  love  shine  forth  and  illumine  all  hearts,  and  may  human  lives  be 
connected  and  cemented  together  until  all  of  us  beneath  the  one  tabernacle 
find  peace  and  composure,  and  beneath  the  standard  of  the  Most  Great 
Peace  move  steadily  onward.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  7,  p.  14. 

*  !=  *  'pjjg  ^g^ii  ^f  ^jjg  kingdom  has  been  sounded,  and  the  annunciation 
of  the  world's  need  for  universal  peace  has  enlightened  the  world's  con- 
science. 

My  hope  is  that  through  the  zeal  and  ardor  of  the  pure  in  heart,  the 
darkness  of  hatred  and  difference  will  be  entirely  abolished  and  the  light 
of  love  and  imity  shall  shine;  that  this  world  become  a  new  world;  things 
material  become  the  mirror  of  the  divine;  human  hearts  meet  and  embrace 
each  other;  the  whole  world  become  as  a  man's  native  country  and  dif- 
ferent races  be  counted  as  one  race. 

These  disputes  and  differences  will  vanish,  and  the  divine  Beloved  be 
revealed  on  this  earth.  Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  27,  1911. 

*  *  *  Know  thou,  verily,  the  Sun  of  Truth  hath  shone  forth  with  the 
lights  of  peace  upon  all  regions.  Strife  and  conflict  will  surely  be  removed 
from  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Carnage  shall  be  taken  away;  fighting, 
violence  and  reviling  will  be  changed  into  universal  reconciliation  and  the 
hosts  of  tranquility  will  pitch  their  tents  in  the  midst  of  the  world.  Then 
the  awning  of  the  mercy  of  thy  Lord  will  be  hoisted  and  those  souls  who 
are  free  from  the  stain  of  prejudice,  contradictions  and  presumption,  and 
are  filled  with  a  love  that  imparts  aflSnity,  intimacy,  affection,  meekness 
and  humbleness  will  be  sheltered  under  it. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  424. 

Baha'o'Uah  in  His  life  time  was  restless  every  moment.  He  did  not 
pass  one  night  in  restful  sleep  for  His  body.  He  bore  all  these  ordeals  and 
catastrophes  and  difficulties  in  order  that  in  the  world  of  humanity  a 
selflessness  might  become  apparent;  in  order  that  in  the  world  of  humanity 
the  Most  Great  Peace  might  become  a  reality;  in  order  that  the  waiting 


134  COMPILATION 

souls  might  become  manifest  as  the  very  angels  of  heaven;  in  order  that 
heavenly  miracles  might  become  perfected  among  men;  in  order  that  the 
faith  of  humanity  might  become  adequate;  in  order  that  the  precious, 
priceless  bestowal  of  God  in  the  human  temple  —  namely,  human  mind  — 
might  develop  to  its  fullest  capacity;  in  order  that  infants  may  be  like- 
nesses of  God,  even  as  it  has  been  stated  in  the  Bible:  "We  shall  create 
men  in  Our  Own  Image." 

To  be  brief.  He  bore  all  these  ordeals  and  catastrophes  for  this :  that  our 
hearts  might  become  bright,  that  our  spirits  might  become  glad,  that  our 
diflBculties  might  be  replaced  by  virtues,  that  our  ignorance  might  be 
transformed  into  knowledge,  in  order  that  we  might  obtain  the  fruits  of 
humanity  and  acquire  heavenly  grace. 

Although  we  are  on  the  earth,  let  us  travel  in  the  Kingdom.  Although 
we  are  needy,  let  us  beg  for  treasures  in  Heaven.  For  this  has  He  borne 
these  difficulties.  Trust  all  to  God.  The  lights  of  God  are  resplendent. 
The  blessed  epistles  are  spreading.     The  blessed  teachings  are  promulgated. 

Abdul  Baha.    Talk  at  Mrs.  E's.,  New  York, 

I  wish  to  awaken  you  out  of  your  deep  slumbers.  Do  you  know  in 
what  day  you  are  living?  Do  you  realize  in  what  dispensation  you  exist? 
Have  you  not  read  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  that  at  the  consummation  of  the 
ages  there  shall  appear  a  day  which  is  the  sum  of  all  the  past  days?  This 
is  the  day  in  which  the  Lord  of  Hosts  has  come  on  the  clouds  of  glory. 
This  is  the  day  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  shall  enter  under  the 
tent  of  the  word  of  God.  This  is  the  day  whose  real  sovereign  is  His 
Highness  the  Almighty.  This  is  the  day  when  the  East  and  the  West 
shall  embrace  each  other  like  unto  two  lovers.  This  is  the  day  in  which 
war  and  contention  shall  be  forgotten.  This  is  the  day  in  which  nations 
and  governments  will  enter  into  an  eternal  bond  of  amity  and  conciliation. 
This  century  is  the  fulfillment  of  the  promised  century.  This  day  is  the 
dawn  of  the  appearances  of  the  glorious  visions  of  past  prophets  and  sages. 

Now  is  the  dawn;  ere  long  the  effulgent  sun  shall  rise  and  station  itself 
in  the  meridian  of  its  majesty.  Then  ye  shall  observe  the  effects  of  the 
sun.  Then  ye  shall  behold  what  heavenly  illumination  has  become  mani- 
fest. Then  ye  shall  comprehend  that  these  are  the  infinite  bestowals  of 
God.  Then  ye  shall  realize  that  this  world  has  become  another  world. 
Then  ye  shall  perceive  that  the  teachings  of  God  have  universally  spread. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  98. 

Today  the  distinguished  leaders  of  nations  must  sing  such  a  song  in 
the  ears  of  the  people  that  the  heart  of  the  world  of  humanity  may  be 
stirred  into  cheerfulness  and  brought  into  a  comprehensive  plan  of  uni- 
versal union,  the  reflection  of  which  may  be  cast  upon  the  mirror  of  the 
world  of  existence  and  become  no  other  than  the  real  prototype  and  por- 
trait of  the  realm  on  high.  In  other  words,  promote  the  principles  of 
sublimity  of  the  human  world,  which  is  loftier  than  this  fictitious  heaven 
and  spread  the  light  of  the  luminary  of  the  merciful  universe,  which  is 
more  radiant  and  luminous  than  the  stars  studded  in  yon  blue  dome. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July,  1914. 


ABDUL  BAHA  135 

*  *  *  Love  is  greater  than  peace,  for  peace  is  founded  upon  love.  Love 
is  the  objective  point  of  peace;  peace  is  an  outcome  of  love.  Until  love 
obtains,  peace  cannot  be.  You  may  have  peace  without  love,  but  the 
love  which  is  from  God  is  the  fundamental.  This  love  is  the  object  of  all 
human  attainment,  the  radiance  of  heaven,  the  light  of  man. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  10,  p.  28. 

Question:    "How  can  universal  peace  be  realized.''" 

Answer:  The  ideals  of  peace  must  be  nurtured  and  spread  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world;  they  must  be  instructed  in  the  school  of  peace 
and  the  evils  of  war.  First:  The  financiers  and  bankers  must  desist  from 
lending  money  to  any  government  which  contemplates  waging  an  unjust 
war  upon  an  innocent  nation.  Second:  The  presidents  and  managers  of  the 
railroads  and  steamship  companies  must  refrain  from  transporting  war  am- 
munition, infernal  engines,  guns,  cannon  and  powder  from  one  country 
into  another.  Third:  The  soldiers  must  petition,  through  their  repre- 
sentatives, the  ministers  of  war,  the  politicians,  the  congressmen  and  the 
generals  to  put  forth  in  a  clear,  intelligible  language  the  reasons  and  the 
causes  which  have  brought  them  to  the  brink  of  such  a  national  calamity. 
The  soldiers  must  demand  this  as  one  of  the  prerogatives.  "Demonstrate 
to  us,"  they  must  say,  "that  this  is  a  just  war,  and  we  will  then  enter  into 
the  battlefield,  otherwise  we  will  not  take  one  step." 

Lq  short,  every  means  that  produces  war  must  be  checked  and  the 
causes  that  prevent  the  occiu'rence  of  war  be  advanced  so  that  physical 
conflict  may  become  an  impossibility.  On  the  other  hand,  every  country 
must  be  properly  delimited,  its  exact  frontiers  marked,  its  national  in- 
tegrity secured,  its  permanent  independence  protected  and  its  vital  in- 
terests honored  by  the  family  of  nations.  These  services  ought  to  be 
rendered  by  an  impartial,  international  commission.  Li  this  manner  all 
causes  of  friction  and  differences  will  be  removed.  And  in  case  there 
should  arise  some  disputes  between  them,  they  could  arbitrate  before  the 
Parliament  of  Man,  the  representatives  of  which  should  be  chosen  from 
among  the  wisest  and  most  judicious  men  of  all  the  nations  of  the  world. 
Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  116,  May,  1914. 

The  spirit  of  the  age  demands  the  establishment  of  universal  peace. 
No  power  on  earth  can  stand  before  it.  God  has  designed  that  peace  must 
reign  in  this  age,  and  it  will  come  to  pass.  Let  the  advocates  of  peace  work 
with  greater  zeal  and  courage,  for  the  Lord  of  Hosts  is  their  supporter. 

In  this  radiant  century  and  merciful  age,  the  ears  are  open,  the  hearts 
are  awakened,  the  eyes  seeing,  the  consciences  stirred. 

The  age  of  strangeness  has  passed.  The  century  of  friendship  has 
arrived.  The  dark  hours  have  disappeared,  and  the  luminary  of  unity 
hath  dawned.  Now  is  the  time  to  be  illumined  with  the  rays  of  the  sun 
of  solidarity  of  the  human  race.  This  is  the  hour  of  self-sacrifice,  for  the 
common  weal  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Referring  to  W.  J.  B.  message,  May  23,  1913. 

In  this  century  the  voices  of  peace  must  drown  the  clamors  for  battle, 
and  the  principles  for  arbitration  must  gain  sway  over  the  arbitrament  of 


136  COMPILATION 

the  sword.  Man  must  learn  war  no  more,  neither  must  he  let  the  brutal 
and  barbaric  forces  of  passion  or  lust  control  the  humane,  intellectual  and 
moral  powers.  He  must  help  the  world  forward  in  its  march  of  progress 
and  enlightenment  and  abandon  the  path  of  the  wicked  and  the  unrighteous. 

You  must  sow  the  seeds  of  peace  in  the  plastic  minds  of  the  children; 
teach  them  the  victories  of  peace;  surround  them  with  the  lessons  of  peace, 
envelop  them  with  the  atmosphere  of  peace  and  inspire  their  hearts  with 
the  glorious  achievements  of  peace.  Let  their  food  be  peace,  their  vestures 
be  peace,  their  contemplation  be  peace,  their  highest  aspiration  be  peace 
and  the  impelling  purpose  of  their  lives  be  peace. 

The  followers  of  the  Blessed  Per"ection  are  the  invincible  army  of  peace 
and  are  showing  by  their  deeds  and  words  that  they  are  peace  makers. 
Raise  ye  the  tumultuous  voices  of  peace  to  the  zenith  of  heaven.  Work 
ye  for  the  cause  of  peace.  Stand  ye  by  the  Lord  of  peace.  Draw  up  in 
line  your  armored  regiments  of  peace!  Unfurl  at  the  head  of  your  in- 
dominable  phalanxes  the  flag  of  peace.  Fill  the  world  with  the  cry  of 
peace.  Let  your  watchword  be  the  sweet  anthem  of  peace.  Be  ye  the 
laborers  in  the  construction  of  the  palace  of  peace.  Think  of  peace,  work 
for  peace  and  consecrate  your  lives  to  the  cause  of  peace. 

Trust  in  the  favor  and  bounty  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  j  *  *  *  Rest 
ye  assured  in  His  confirmations,  which  have  encircled  you  at  this  holy 
hour.  You  are  always  with  me  and  are  inseparable  from  me.  You  are 
the  soldiers  of  my  army.  Rush  ye  on  to  the  battlefield  and  defeat  the 
powers  of  the  prince  of  darkness. 

The  spheres  of  thought  are  suffused  with  the  effulgence  of  divine  en- 
lightenment. The  advocates  of  peace  are  increasing  in  number  every 
year.  In  America,  in  France,  in  Germany,  in  England,  the  lovers  of  peace 
are  found,  and  they  are  adding  day  by  day  to  their  efficiency  and  activity. 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  April  28,  1914. 

The  law  of  peace  has  come  to  stay.  We  are  living  in  the  radiant  age 
of  peace.  The  angels  of  peace  are  hovering  above  our  heads.  We  are  daily 
advancing  in  the  path  of  peace.  The  army  of  peace  is  being  recruited 
from  among  all  nations  and  peoples.  Let  the  pacifists  know  that  the 
unconquerable  power  of  God  —  that  irresistible,  moral,  ineffable  some- 
thing —  is  behind  them.  No  government  and  no  nation  can  withstand 
them.  With  this  power  alone  they  will  be  able  to  defeat  all  opposition 
and  remove  all  the  stumbling  blocks.  From  now  on  lesser  and  lesser  will 
be  the  magic  spell  of  war,  greater  and  greater  will  be  the  influence  of  peace. 
The  day  is  coming  when  the  dove  of  peace  shall  reign  over  all  the  continents, 
the  laws  of  peace  shall  rule  all  the  nations,  and  the  resources  of  war  will  be 
expended  on  that  which  will  be  conducive  to  the  spiritualization  of  man- 
kind. Let  all  the  pacifists  gather  their  scattered  forces  and  combine  their 
material  and  moral  resources.  They  must  look  forward,  and  not  backward, 
above  and  not  below.  They  are  the  real  benefactors  of  humanity,  the 
burning  torches  of  bright  hope.  Just  as  the  heaven  is  above  the  earth,  so 
their  ideals  must  soar  above  the  ideals  of  this  age.  Unfailingly  they  must 
inspire  the  hearts  with  peace  and  concord.  With  perfect  faith  and  as- 
surance they  must  toil  and  labor  and  know  of  a  certainty  the  goal  is  ahead. 


ABDUL  BAHA  137 

They  shall  reach  there  if  they  work  steadily  and  firmly.  The  Lord  of 
Hosts  is  reinforcing  them.  The  Sun  of  peace  is  up  in  the  horizon  and  its 
rays  are  penetrating  through  the  clouds  of  prejudice  and  ignorance.  These 
warships  will  be  changed  into  merchant  steamers,  binding  the  nations  and 
countries  more  closely  together.  The  cry  of  peace  and  the  sweet,  resonant 
harmony  of  peace  is  being  heard  from  every  throat.  The  sweet  resonant 
harmony  of  peace  shall  drown  all  the  screeching  noises  of  war.  Blessed 
are  those  who  are  enlisted  in  the  ranks  of  p)eace ! 

Abdul  Baela..     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Nov.  3,  1913. 

In  time  peace  will  come.  Although  Bahais  will  make  no  war  in  Persia 
or  any  other  country,  the  flag  of  Baha'o'llah  will  overcome  every  other 
flag,  and  all  rulers  will  do  homage  to  it. 

Abdul  Baha.     Daily  Lessons,  p.  72. 

O  Thou  Educator!  Wicked  though  we  are  in  action,  sinful  and  un- 
righteous though  we  are,  yet  we  seek  Thy  holy  mention,  and  the  presence 
of  the  Almighty  King.  The  command  is  Thine,  the  ordinance  belongs  to 
Thee,  the  kingdom  of  power  is  under  Thy  command.  Whatsoever  Thou 
doest  is  absolute  justice,  nay  rather,  perfect  mercy.  One  light  of  the 
lights  of  Thy  merciful  Name  wiU  take  away  the  imprint  of  sin  from  the 
world,  it  will  erase  it  completely.  One  breeze  of  the  breezes  of  the  day  of 
Thy  Manifestation  will  adorn  the  world  with  a  new  garment. 

O  Thou  able  One!  Strengthen  those  who  are  weak  and  grant  life  to 
those  who  are  dead,  that  perchance,  they  may  find  Thee,  that  they  may  be 
led  to  the  ocean  of  Thy  knowledge  and  remain  firm  in  Thy  Cause. 

If  the  fragrance  of  Thy  praise  be  inhaled  from  the  diverse  tongues  of 
the  world,  they  are  all  beloved  by  the  soul  and  precious  to  the  spirit  —  be 
they  Arabic  or  Persian.  If  they  are  found  deprived  none  are  worthy  of 
mention,  be  they  words  or  meanings. 

O  Thou  Educator!  We  ask  Thee  to  lead  all  and  to  guide  all.  Verily, 
Thou  art  the  powerful,  the  mighty,  the  forgiver !  —  Abdul  Baha.  Prayer. 

Question:  "What  can  I  do  to  become  the  real  servant  of  God?" 
Answer:  Live  thou  in  accord  with  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah.  Do 
not  only  read  them.  There  is  a  vast  difference  between  the  soul  who  reads 
the  words  of  the  Blessed  Perfection,  and  the  one  who  tries  to  live  them. 
Read  thou  the  Hidden  Words.  Ponder  over  their  meanings  and  embody 
the  behests  into  thy  life.  All  that  I  might  say  is  only  one  drop  of  that 
illimitable  sea.  My  duty  is  to  explain,  to  elucidate,  to  interpret  the 
writings  of  Baha'o'llah. 

For  example:  We  must  investigate  reality;  we  must  show  real  love 
to  the  world  of  humanity;  we  must  work  for  the  establishment  of  uni- 
versal peace;  we  must  sacrifice  our  lives  in  the  guidance  of  mankind;  we 
must  be  kind  to  all  the  creatures  of  God;  we  must  raise  the  call  of  the 
kingdom;  we  must  characterize  ourselves  with  spiritual  characteristics; 
we  must  show  forth  in  our  words  and  deeds  the  attributes  of  the  Holy 
Ones.  Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  June  1,  1914. 


138  COMPILATION 

*  *  *  Convey  my  greeting  and  praise  to  all  the  believers  of  God  in  that 
vast  and  spacious  continent  and  say  unto  them  from  the  tongue  of  Abdul 
Baha: 

O  ye  believers  of  God!  It  is  incumbent  upon  ye  to  work  mightily 
(in  the  Cause),  strive  nobly  to  speak  of  the  bounties  of  God.  Be  ye  en- 
gaged in  the  commemoration  of  the  mention  of  God;  be  ye  severed  from 
all  else  save  God.  Take  a  firm  hold  of  the  rope  of  virtue,  shun  obedience 
to  the  dictates  of  self  and  passion,  practice  kindness  toward  all  the  people 
of  the  world.  Serve  the  cause  of  universal  peace,  and  show  ye  love  to  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Aug.  24,  1913. 

POWER  OF  TEACHINGS  OF  BAHA'O'LLAH 

*  *  *  Today  on  this  earth  there  are  many  souls  who  are  the  spreaders 
of  peace  and  reconciliation  and  are  longing  for  the  realization  of  the  one- 
ness and  unity  of  the  world  of  man;  but  this  intention  needs  a  dynamic 
power  so  that  it  may  become  manifest  in  the  world  of  being.  Today  the 
divine  instructions  and  Lordly  exhortations  of  Baha'o'Uah  promulgate  this 
most  great  aim  and  the  confirmations  of  the  Kingdom  are  the  supports  and 
defenders  of  this  eminent  intention.  For  the  power  of  the  Word  of  God 
is  penetrative  and  the  existence  of  the  divine  Kingdom  is  uninterrupted. 
Therefore,  ere  long  it  will  become  evident  and  clear  that  the  ensign  of  the 
Most  Great  Peace  is  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'Uah.  For  the  intention,  the 
power  and  the  action,  all  three  essential  elements  are  brought  together 
and  the  realization  of  everything  in  the  contingent  world  dependeth  upon 
these  three  principles.  Therefore,  O  thou  lover  of  the  oneness  of  the  world 
of  humanity,  spread  as  much  as  thou  canst  the  instructions  and  teachings 
of  His  Highness  Baha'o'Uah,  so  that  the  desired  beloved  become  unveiled 
in  the  assembly  of  humankind  and  cast  her  light  upon  all  the  people.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  691. 

Baha'o'Uah  heralds  the  hour  of  unity  which  has  dawned  on  all  mankind. 
All  are  the  children  of  one  Father;  all  the  inheritors  of  that  future  peace 
on  earth.  He  admonishes  men  to  banish  prejudices.  Religious,  patriotic, 
racial  prejudices  must  disappear,  for  they  are  the  destroyers  of  human 
society.  *  *  * 

Religion  must  be  the  cause  of  affection.  It  must  be  a  joy-bringer.  If 
it  become  the  cause  of  difference,  it  were  better  to  banish  it.  Should  it 
become  the  source  of  hatred,  of  warfare,  it  were  better  that  it  should  not 
exist.  If  a  remedy  produce  added  illness,  it  were  better  to  discard  the 
remedy.  Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  52. 

The  purpose  of  peace  is  to  destroy  antagonism  by  finding  a  point  of 
agreement.  We  cannot  induce  men  to  lay  down  their  arms  by  fighting 
with  them.  *  *  * 

These  precepts  were  proclaimed  by  Baha'o'Uah  more  than  fifty  years 
ago.  He  was  the  first  to  create  them  as  moral  laws.  Alone  and  unaided 
He  spread  them.  Writing  to  the  sovereigns  of  the  world  He  summoned 
them  to  universal  peace,  proclaiming  that  the  hour  for  unity  had  struck. 


ABDUL  BAHA  139 

There  must  be  peace  between  the  fatherlands,  peace  between  the  reHgions. 

In  this  period  of  its  evolution,  the  world  of  humanity  is  in  danger. 
Every  war  is  against  the  good-pleasure  of  the  Lord  of  mankind,  for  man  is 
the  edifice  of  God  and  war  destroys  the  divine  edifice. 

If  an  active,  actual  peace  is  brought  about,  the  human  world  will 
attain  to  the  utmost  serenity  and  composure.  The  wolves  will  be  trans- 
formed into  lambs,  devils  into  angels  and  terrors  into  divine  splendors  in 
less  than  the  twinkling  of  an  eye. 

Baha'o'llah  is  the  divine  physician  who  diagnoses  the  world's  sickness. 
For  the  whole  world  is  sick  and  needs  the  power  of  a  great  specialist. 

Baha'o'llah's  teachings  are  the  health  of  the  world.  They  represent 
the  spirit  of  this  age,  the  light  of  this  age,  the  well-being  of  this  age,  the 
soul  of  this  cycle.  The  world  will  be  at  rest  when  they  are  put  into  practice, 
for  they  are  reality. 

Praise  be  to  God,  the  doors  of  divine  knowledge  are  flung  open,  the 
infinite  light  is  shining,  and  to  such  as  believe  and  obey  the  divine  mysteries 
are  revealed.  Abdul  Bah  a.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  54. 

Every  age  requires  a  central  impetus  or  movement.  In  this  age  the 
boundaries  of  terrestrial  things  have  extended;  minds  have  taken  on  a 
broader  range  of  vision;  realities  have  been  unfolded  and  the  secrets  of 
being  have  been  brought  into  the  realm  of  visibility. 

What  is  the  spirit  of  this  age,  what  is  its  focal  point .^ 

It  is  the  establishment  of  universal  peace,  the  establishment  of  the 
knowledge  that  humanity  is  one  family.  Think  on  the  conditions  of  this 
world  of  humanity.  Nations  have  become  like  unto  armed  camps  wait- 
ing to  be  ignited  by  the  combustion  of  war.  Whereas  in  reality  God  has 
created  man  for  love's  sake.  God  has  endowed  man  with  creation  so  that 
he  may  illumine  the  world  with  the  flame  of  brotherhood  and  express  the 
utmost  state  of  unity  and  accord.  This  state  would  express  God's  good 
pleasure;  this  would  be  the  prosperity  of  the  world  of  humanity.  A  thou- 
sand times  alas,  that  this  glorious  century  has  been  besmeared  with  war 
and  strife,  hatred  and  rancor.  Bloodthirsty  wolves  are  tearing  the  sheep 
of  God.     Destruction  is  more  widespread  than  in  all  the  ages  of  the  past. 

We  hear  on  every  side  praises  of  the  wonders  of  this  cycle,  its  achieve- 
ments, its  refinements,  its  genius;  calling  the  past  the  age  of  medieval 
horror.  What  medieval  age  held  the  horror  of  a  Krupp  gun,  a  Mauser 
rifle  or  a  shrapnel  shell  that  kills  a  whole  camp.''  On  the  sea  we  have  the 
submarine  and  the  dreadnaught.  If  j'^ou  compare  the  past  with  this  age, 
impartial  judgment  will  call  this  the  age  of  human  fratricide. 

All  the  religions  are  revealed  for  the  sake  of  good  fellowship.  The 
fundamentals,  the  foundations  of  all  are  fellowship,  unity  and  love.  The 
heavenly  books  were  revealed  and  divine  love  bestowed  to  bring  about 
peace.  WTiat  has  man  made  of  religion.''  He  has  made  it  the  cause  of 
bloodshed  and  strife,  enmity  and  hatred.  Religion  was  destined  to  be  a 
remedy  for  the  sickness  of  humanity;  an  illumination  for  the  darkness  of 
uncertainty.  Have  we  then  forgotten  the  divine  teachings,  cast  aside 
the  heavenly  books,  created  imaginary  thoughts  and  illusions  and  made 
them  the  basis  of  rancor  and  strife.'* 


140  COMPILATION 

The  Bible  commands  the  practice  of  peace  and  justice.  God  desires 
love.  In  the  Gospel  we  find  the  golden  statement  that  man  should  be  ex- 
pressive of  love  even  unto  his  enemy;  he  should  be  expressive  of  love  to 
his  ill-wishers;  he  should  be  expressive  of  love  to  all  his  fellowmen.  He 
must  have  an  eye  to  pardon;  he  must  have  an  eye  to  benevolence.  All 
the  divine  books  invite  men  to  these  teachings.  All  the  divine  prophets 
invite  men  to  these  teachings. 

Consider  what  His  Holiness  Christ  endured,  how  many  vicissitudes 
He  underwent,  every  day  a  new  poison,  finally  sacrificing  His  own  life, 
so  that  the  tent  of  love  and  concord  might  be  raised  over  the  world  of 
humanity;  so  that  this  dark  world  might  be  invested  with  divine  light. 
Alas,  that  all  the  travail  of  these  holy  souls  and  sanctified  prophets  should 
be  wasted.  The  world  of  humanity  is  in  a  stupor  of  sleep  and  it  cannot 
grasp  the  realities.  The  horizons  of  the  minds  are  still  beclouded  and  the 
hearts  are  occupied  with  phantasmal  longings.  We  seem  never  to  think 
of  the  reason  of  creation;  never  to  strive  to  proclaim  these  principles  which 
enlighten  humanity.  In  the  sea  of  materialism  we  are  sinking  and  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God  we  know  nothing.  We  are  not  living  in  accord  with  those 
precious  teachings  of  God. 

Fifty  years  ago  the  horizon  of  the  Orient  was  in  a  state  of  the  utmost 
gloom,  warfare  existed  and  there  was  enmity  between  the  various  creeds; 
darkness  brooded  over  the  children  of  men  and  foul  clouds  of  ignorance  hid 
the  sky.  At  such  a  time  His  Highness  Baha'o'llah  arose  from  the  horizon 
of  Persia  like  unto  a  shining  sun.  He  boldly  proclaimed  peace,  writing 
to  the  kings  of  the  earth  and  calling  upon  them  to  arise  and  assist  in  the 
hoisting  of  this  banner.  In  order  to  bring  peace  out  of  chaos.  He  estab- 
lished certain  precepts  or  principles. 

The  first  principle  Baha'o'llah  urged  was  the  independent  investigation 
of  truth.  *  *  * 

The  second  principle  of  Baha'o'llah  proclaims  the  oneness  of  the  human 
race.  *  *  * 

The  third  principle  of  the  religion  of  Baha'o'llah  is  in  regard  to  inter- 
national peace.  There  must  be  peace  between  the  fatherlands;  peace 
between  the  religions.  In  the  period  of  evolution  the  world  of  humanity 
is  in  danger.  Every  war  is  against  the  good  pleasure  of  the  Lord  of  man- 
kind. Man  is  the  edifice  of  God.  War  destroys  the  divine  edifice.  Peace 
is  the  stay  of  life,  war  the  cause  of  death.  If  an  active,  actual  peace  is 
brought  about,  the  human  world  will  attain  to  the  utmost  serenity  and 
composure.  Wolves  will  be  transformed  into  lambs,  devils  into  angels 
and  terrors  into  divine  splendors  in  less  than  the  twinkling  of  an  eye. 

The  fourth  principle  declares  that  religion  must  be  in  conformity  to 
science  and  reason.  If  a  religion  does  not  agree  with  the  postulates  of 
science  nor  accord  with  the  regulations  of  reason  it  is  a  bundle  of  sujjer- 
stition;  a  phantasm  of  the  brain.  Science  and  religion  are  realities  and  if 
that  religion  to  which  we  adhere  be  a  reality  it  must  needs  conform  to  the 
fundamental  reality  of  all  things. 

The  fifth  principle  of  Baha'o'llah  is  this :  that  religious,  racial,  political 
and  patriotic  prejudices  are  the  destroyers  of  human  society.  As  long  as 
these  prejudices  last  the  world  of  humanity  will  not  attain  to  poise  and 


ABDUL  BAHA  141 

perfection.  As  long  as  these  threatening  clouds  are  in  the  sky  of  humanity, 
the  Sun  of  Reality  cannot  dawn.  *  *  * 

The  sixth  principle  of  Baha'o'Ilah  regards  the  equality  of  men  and 
women.  *  *  *  The  world  of  humanity  has  two  wings,  one  the  male,  the 
other  the  female.  When  both  wings  are  reinforced  with  the  same  impulse 
the  bird  will  be  able  to  wing  its  flight  heavenward  to  the  summit  of  progress. 
Woman  must  be  given  the  same  opportunities  as  man  for  perfecting  her- 
self in  the  attainments  of  learning,  science  and  arts.  God  has  created  the 
man  and  the  woman  equal,  why  should  she  be  deprived  of  exercising  the 
fullest  opportunities  afiForded  by  life.?  *  *  * 

The  seventh  teaching  suggests  a  plan  whereby  all  the  individual  mem- 
bers may  enjoy  the  utmost  comfort  and  welfare.  The  degrees  of  society 
must  be  preserved.  The  farmer  will  continue  to  till  the  soil,  the  artist 
pursue  his  art,  the  banker  to  finance  the  nation.  An  army  has  need  of  its 
general,  captain  and  private  soldiers.  The  degrees  varying  with  the  pur- 
suits are  essential.     But  in  this  Bahai  plan  there  is  no  class  hatred.  *  *  * 

The  eighth  principle  declares  that  there  must  needs  be  established  the 
parliament  of  man  or  court  of  last  appeals  for  international  questions. 
The  members  of  this  arbitral  court  of  justice  will  be  representatives  of  all 
the  nations.  In  each  nation  the  members  must  be  ratified  by  the  govern- 
ment and  the  king  or  ruler,  and  this  international  parliament  will  be  under 
the  protection  of  the  world  of  humanity.  In  it  all  international  difficulties 
will  be  settled. 

The  ninth  admonition  is  in  regard  to  education.  All  the  children  must 
be  educated  so  there  will  not  remain  one  single  individual  without  educa- 
tion. In  case  of  inability  on  the  part  of  the  parents  through  sickness, 
death,  etc.,  the  state  must  educate  the  child.  In  addition  to  this  wide- 
spread education,  each  child  must  be  taught  a  profession  or  trade,  so  that 
each  individual  member  of  the  body-politic  will  be  able  to  earn  his  own  liv- 
ing and  at  the  same  time  serve  the  community.  Work  done  in  the  spirit 
of  service  is  worship.  From  this  universal  system  of  education  misun- 
derstandings will  be  expelled  from  amongst  the  children  of  men. 

The  tenth  principle  is  the  establishment  of  a  universal  language,  so 
that  we  will  not  have  to  acquire  so  many  languages  in  the  future.  In  the 
schools  they  will  study  two,  the  mother  tongue  and  the  international  auxili- 
ary language.  The  use  of  an  international  auxiliary  language  will  become 
a  great  means  of  dispelling  the  differences  between  nations. 

There  are  many  other  teachings.  I  have  given  you  but  a  few.  Praise 
be  to  God,  that  day  by  day  we  are  advancing  and  every  day  we  see  some 
new  blessing  descending.  *  *  *  May  we  be  enabled  to  leave  behind  the 
world  of  matter  in  beholding  the  bounties  of  God.  The  divine  table  is 
spread,  the  heavenly  illumination  is  all-encircling;  eternal  life  is  provided 
for  all;  divine  food  is  prepared  for  all!  Therefore,  let  us  practice  the  divine 
essence  of  love  and  love  each  other  from  our  very  hearts  and  souls,  so  that 
the  East  and  West  shall  embrace  each  other  and  realize  that  all  are  the 
sheep  of  God,  that  God  is  the  good  shepherd,  then  will  we  gather  under  the 
tabernacle  of  His  mercy.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  4. 

*  *  *  Thou  mayst  deliver  the  glad-tidings  in  the  following  manner: 
The  Promised  One  of  all  the  nations  of  the  world  has  become  apparent  and 


142  COMPILATION 

manifest.  Each  community  and  religion  expects  the  coming  of  their  prom- 
ised One  and  His  Highness  Baha'o'llah  is  the  promised  One  of  all.  There- 
fore, the  Cause  of  Baha'o'llah  is  conducive  to  harmony,  raises  the  canopy 
of  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity  upon  the  apex  of  the  contingent 
beings  and  unfurls  the  ensign  of  universal  brotherhood  and  ideal  common- 
wealth upon  the  summit  of  the  hills  and  mountains. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  626. 

*  *  *  This  year  calamities,  unfortunate  decline  and  corruption  have 
encompassed  the  world.  Now  the  proof  is  apparent  to  all.  Abdul  Baha 
in  churches  (lit.  synagogues)  and  meetings  in  many  of  the  cities  of  Europe 
and  America  loudly  proclaimed  the  Cause  of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah 
and  called  (people)  to  the  Kingdom  of  Abha.  And  he  (Abdul  Baha) 
brought  forth  luminous  proofs  and  stated  clear  conclusions  and  manifest 
arguments.  There  remained  no  excuse  for  any  soul  whatsoever,  because 
most  of  the  talks  were  published  in  newspapers  and  spread  in  the  world. 
Notwithstanding  this,  still  the  people  are  captives  in  the  sleep  of  negli- 
gence and  are  prisoners  of  nature  and  inattentive  to  reality.  Still  the 
people  desire  material  luxury  to  such  a  degree  that  Sur-i-Israfel  (i.e.,  the 
trumpet  of  Israfil  summoning  mankind  to  resurrection)  does  not  awaken 
them.  Of  course  this  negligence,  unthankfulness  and  unmindfulness  are 
the  causes  of  regret,  distress,  war  and  dispute,  and  produce  devastation 
and  misfortune.  If  the  people  of  the  world  do  not  turn  to  the  Greatest 
Name,  great  misery  will  follow.  But  for  the  sake  of  the  believers  it  is 
my  hope  that  traces  of  the  favors  of  God  may  be  apparent  and  their  affairs 
become  exceptional. 

Upon  thee  be  Baha-El-Abha! 

(Signed)  Abdul  Baha  Abbas. 
This  (above)  Tablet  was  written  fifteen  months  ago  and  the  distressed 
happenings  of  today  were  mentioned  in  it.  Notwithstanding  this.  We 
pray  with  the  utmost  supplication  and  lamentation  in  the  threshold  of 
God,  that  He  may  purify  and  free  the  horizon  of  the  world  of  humanity 
from  this  dark  cloud. 

Upon  ye  be  Baha-El-Abha! 

(Signed)     Abdul  Baha  Abbas. 
Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  242. 

*  *  *  Look  at  the  war  in  the  Balkans !  Can  you  imagine  anything  more 
terrible?  Men  have  arisen  against  their  brothers  and  both  armies  think 
that  they  are  acting  in  accordance  with  religious  principles.  If  both  sides 
would  put  into  practice  the  true  principles  of  their  own  religions,  there 
would  be  no  further  divisions.  *  *  * 

In  the  whole  world  hardly  any  one  is  conscious  of  reality.  Baha'o'llah 
in  appearing  has  brought  the  force  to  rend  the  veils.  He  has  spread  the 
teachings  which  are  the  soul  of  our  time,  opened  the  doors  to  the  lovers 
of  light,  flung  forth  the  divine  proclamation  into  all  horizons,  breathed  into 
the  hearts  a  great  love,  united  those  who  were  at  enmity  and  given  victory 
to  saints  and  pure  spirits.  After  many  tribulations  He  has  shown  man  the 
kingdom,  freed  him  from  chains  of  prejudice  and  attached  him  to  the  world 


ABDUL  BAHA  143 

of  truth.     The  light  of  divine  favors  is  shining  and  will  shine  from  century 
to  century. 

With  the  door  of  such  splendor  open,  will  you  continue  to  be  negligent? 
Let  us  prepare  to  sacrifice  our  lives,  so  that  the  divine  conflagration  may 
blaze  in  the  East  and  the  West.  May  it  become  a  holocaust  that  will  at- 
tract the  entire  race !  Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  pp.  34-35. 

Today  the  body  of  the  world  is  sick.  All  nations  are  raising  the  banners 
of  war,  and  the  illness  being  verj'  severe,  needs  the  divine  Doctor.  The 
divine  Doctor  has  appeared  and  pointed  out  the  proper  remedy  for  the 
world's  disease,  but  the  ignorant  doctors  continue  to  give  various  ineflacient 
remedies  and,  therefore,  day  by  day  the  sickness  becomes  more  dangerous. 
There  is  no  way  for  the  world  to  be  cured  of  its  ills  except  through  the  divine 
Doctor.  It  is  likened  unto  a  sick  body,  while  the  spiritual  teachings  are 
likened  unto  the  remedy,  it  being  evident  that  without  the  spirit  the  body 
will  not  survive. 

One  of  the  most  severe  of  the  world's  diseases  is  that  of  contention  and 
strife,  the  fire  of  which  is  burning  among  all  nations  and  cannot  be  removed 
except  through  the  Word  of  God.  As  this  intense  fire  can  only  be  quenched 
by  the  heavenly  water,  therefore,  the  faithful  followers  of  God  must  be  as 
a  banner  of  peace  and  as  a  most  luminous  sun  of  harmony  and  union. 

In  the  days  of  Moses  the  people  pitched  the  tent  of  martyrdom  and 
in  the  time  of  Jesus  Christ  they  established  the  greatest  church;  but  in 
this  time  the  believers  of  God  must  raise  the  tent  of  peace,  union  and  con- 
cord. I  hope  that  through  the  providence  of  God  the  brilliancy  of  love 
will  light  all  the  horizons. 

*  *  *  Therefore,  we  who  are  the  servants  of  His  threshold  must  exert 
our  utmost  power,  devote  our  lives,  offer  them  as  a  ransom  if  necessary, 
and  give  our  time  and  all  we  have  to  this  cause,  until  this  light  be  spread 
all  over  the  world  and  this  brilliant  star  shines  from  the  dawning  place  of 
humanity. 

Accordingly,  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  (Glory  be  to  Him!)  has  said: 
"All  are  fruits  of  one  tree  and  leaves  of  one  branch."  Therefore,  it  be- 
hooves us  to  ignore  discord,  purify  our  hearts  and  consort  with  all  people 
with  fragrance  and  spirituality  until  fighting  and  quarreling,  war  and 
dualism  be,  through  the  providence  of  God,  removed  from  the  nations; 
concord  and  agreement  be  the  light  of  union,  truthfulness  and  tranquility 
be  spread  among  the  people,  and  the  world  of  humanity  become  as  one 
person.***      Abdul  Baha.     "Utterances  to  Two  Young  Men,"  1901. 

At  all  times  I  supplicate  and  implore  at  the  threshold  of  Baha'o'llah 
to  encircle  His  faithful  ones  with  the  spiritual  powers,  to  illumine  their 
hearts,  to  expand  their  thoughts,  so  that  they  may  be  enabled  to  raise  the 
standard  of  international  peace,  to  serve  the  world  of  humanity  and  to 
attract  the  souls  to  the  Kingdom  of  Abha. 

Speaking  about  the  concentration  of  one's  powers  Abdul  Baha  said: 
The  water  flowing  from  one  spring  has  more  force  and  energy  than  if 
the  same  water  is  divided  among  eight  springs.     Try  always  to  concentrate 


144  COMPILATION 

your  activities  in  one  channel,  and  let  that  one  be  the  Cause  of  Baha'o'llah. 
Then  you  will  see  how  the  confirmations  of  God  will  descend. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  December  15,  1912. 

Now  that  thou  art  returning  to  Ireland  thou  must  become  a  lighted 
torch.  That  lighted  torch  is  the  effulgence  of  the  love  of  God,  summoning 
people  to  the  Kingdom,  proclaiming  to  the  people  international  peace. 
It  is  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity;  it  consists  of  the  teachings  of 
Baha'o'llah.     Thou  must  carry  with  thyself  this  Light  of  reality. 

Abdul  Baha.     Ahmad's  Diary,  December  22,  1912. 

*  *  *  In  the  nineteenth  century  there  was  ignorance  of  the  utmost  de- 
gree in  the  Orient.  There  was  continuous  warfare  and  strife.  The  apathy 
and  ignorance  of  the  eastern  nations  or  peoples  had  reached  the  lowest 
pitch.  They  were  indeed  gloomy  and  dark,  utterly  negligent  of  God  and 
completely  captives  of  the  baser  feelings  and  passions.  The  struggle  for 
existence  had  been  in  full  exercise  amongst  them. 

At  such  a  time  as  this  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  appeared  amongst  them 
even  like  unto  the  sun.  He  flooded  the  east  with  light.  He  expounded 
new  teachings  to  them.  He  laid  a  basis  for  new  institutions  which  are  the 
very  spirit  of  modernism,  the  very  light  of  the  world,  the  cause  of  the  de- 
velopment of  the  body-politic  and  of  eternal  honor.  The  souls  who  heark- 
ened to  these  teachings  amongst  the  various  oriental  nations  immediately 
let  go  of  that  spirit  of  strife  and  sedition  and  began  to  exercise  the  utmost  of 
good- will  and  good-fellowship.  From  the  extremity  of  animosity  they 
were  transformed  into  the  acme  of  love  and  amity.  They  had  been  war- 
ring and  quarreling,  now  they  began  to  be  loving  and  to  live  together  in 
amity,  until  today  in  the  Orient  such  people  —  the  Bahais  —  live  in  the 
utmost  state  of  love  and  good-fellowship.  Among  them  you  will  find  no 
expression  of  religious  prejudice,  no  political  prejudice,  no  patriotic  preju- 
dice; nay  rather,  they  associate  together  with  utmost  fellowship  and  love 
and  their  joy  is  exceedingly  great. 

The  warfare  which  takes  place  in  the  East  is  not  connected  with  them. 
They  do  not  participate  in  it.  Nay  rather,  their  attitude  towards  all  is 
one  of  good-will  and  good-fellowship.  It  is  a  standard  of  peace  which  is 
unfurled  amongst  them.  It  is  the  light  of  guidance  which  has  flooded  all 
their  souls  with  radiance.  It  is  love  upon  love.  It  is  light  upon  light. 
This  is  the  education  of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah.  This  is  the  training  He 
has  given  them.  He  has  led  these  souls  to  this  standard.  He  has  given 
them  such  teachings  as  to  ensure  eternal  illumination  amongst  them. 
Any  one  who  becomes  well  versed  in  these  teachings  will  say:  "Verily,  I 
declare  that  these  teachings  constitute  the  illumination  of  humanity;  that 
this  is  the  spirit  of  modernism;  that  this  is  honor  everlasting;  that  these 
are  heavenly  teachings  and  tlie  cause  of  life  never  ending  amongst  men." 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  20. 

*  *  *  When  His  Holiness  the  Christ  appeared  in  this  world  nineteen 
hundred  years  ago  to  establish  the  ties  of  unity  and  the  bond  of  love  be- 
tween the  various  nations  and  different  communities,  He  cemented  to- 


ABDUL  BAH  A  145 

gether  the  sciences  of  Rome  and  the  greatness  of  Greece.  He  also  brought 
and  estabHshed  affihation  between  the  Assyrian  kingdom  and  the  power  of 
Egypt.  It  had  been  impossible  to  estabHsh  unity,  love,  accord  and  agree- 
ment between  these  nations,  but  His  Holiness  the  Christ,  through  the 
divine  power,  established  the  condition  among  the  children  of  men. 

Now  a  much  greater  difficulty  is  encountered  when  we  desire  to  es- 
tablish this  great  unity  between  the  Orient  and  the  Occident !  His  Holiness 
Baha'o'Uah  through  the  power  of  heaven  has  established  union  between  the 
East  and  the  West.  Ere  long  we  shall  know  that  the  East  and  the  West 
are  cemented  together  by  the  power  of  God.  That  oneness  of  the  kingdom 
of  humanity  will  supplant  the  banner  of  conquest  and  bring  under  its 
shade  all  communities  of  the  earth.  No  nation  like  Persia  will  be  left. 
America  will  be  known  only  in  name;  Germany  also;  France,  England. 
Turkey,  Arabia  —  all  these  various  nations  will  be  welded  together  in 
unity.  When  they  ask  the  people  of  these  various  nations  in  the  future, 
"To  which  nationality  do  you  belong.''"  the  answer  will  be  "To  the  nation- 
ality of  human  beings.  I  am  living  under  the  shadow  of  Baha'o'llah.  I 
am  the  servant  of  Baha'o'llah.  I  belong  to  the  army  of  the  Most  Great 
Peace."  The  people  in  the  future  will  not  say,  "I  belong  to  the  nation  of 
England,  France  or  Persia."  All  of  them  will  become  citizens  of  one 
nation.  All  of  them  will  be  one  family,  all  will  belong  to  one  country  and 
these  warfares  and  strifes  will  pass  away. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  10,  p.  7. 

*  *  *  Again  in  this  age  the  world  of  humanity  is  sorely  afflicted  with 
such  diseases  as  cause  death.  Therefore,  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  has 
appeared.  He  is  the  real  physician;  He  gives  the  real  remedy  to  the  world 
of  man.     He  has  brought  teachings  for  the  healing  of  these  sicknesses. 

The  "Hidden  Words,"  the  "Ishrakhat,"  the  "Tarazat,"  the  "Tajalliat," 
the  "Words  of  Wisdom,"  these  teachings  are  the  remedy  for  the  body- 
politic.  These  are  the  divine  teachings;  the  real  remedy  for  the  diseases 
oi  the  human  body.  Therefore,  we  must  partake  of  this  remedy  so  that 
complete  recovery  may  appear.  Every  soul  who  acts  and  lives  according 
to  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah  is  free  from  all  ailments  and  sicknesses; 
otherwise,  selfish  ailments,  intellectual  ailments,  spiritual  ailments,  im- 
perfections, the  ailments  of  vices  will  surround  him  and  he  will  not  receive 
the  bounties  of  God. 

Therefore,  we  must  endeavor  that  our  own  ailments  may  be  cured 
through  these  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  and  without  this  complete  recov- 
ery is  impossible;  because  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah  is  the  real  physician, 
the  skilled  doctor.  He  has  diagnosed  all  the  sicknesses  of  the  human  body 
and  prescribed  medicine  accordingly. 

The  remedies  of  Baha'o'llah,  of  which  you  read  in  His  Tablets,  are  the 
love  of  God,  knowledge  of  God,  severance  from  all  else  save  God,  turning 
one's  face  toward  the  Kingdom  of  God,  sincerity  and  faith,  firmness  and 
steadfastness,  fidelity  and  love  toward  all  humanity,  kindness  toward  all 
the  children  of  men,  and  the  acquirement  of  the  virtues  of  the  human 
world. 

These  are  the  cause  of  progress  for  all  existence  —  international  peace 


146  COMPILATION 

and  the  oneness  of  the  human  world.     These  are  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'- 
Uah.     They  are  the  cause  of  everlasting  health;   the  remedy  for  man. 

I  hope  that  you  may  heal  the  sick  body  of  man  through  these  teachings, 
so  that  the  eternal  lights  may  illumine  the  regions  of  the  world. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  102. 

Today  all  the  communities  of  the  world  are  engaged  in  fighting  and 
quarreling  with  each  other.  There  is  religious  strife,  sectarian  strife, 
racial  bias,  patriotism,  political  contentions,  commercial  competition,  in- 
dustrial rivalry  and  a  battle  to  defend  their  honor. 

In  reality  these  strifes  are  continual,  and  there  is  no  cessation  or  in- 
terruption thereto.  Now  consider  ye  with  what  power  and  strength,  love 
and  devotion,  union  and  harmony,  happiness  and  joy  the  friends  of  God 
must  arise,  so  that  they  may  reconcile  and  crystalize  together  these  dif- 
ferent fighting  and  quarreling  communities.  Were  it  not  for  the  confir- 
mation of  the  Word  of  God  the  realization  of  these  facts  would  have  been 
impossible  and  improbable.  But  the  confirmation  of  the  Kingdom  of  God, 
and  the  penetration  of  the  Word  of  God,  the  illumination  of  the  divine 
teachings,  the  instructions  and  advices  of  Baha'o'Uah  will  solve  these 
problems  and  ere  long  the  tabernacle  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  human- 
ity will  be  raised  in  all  regions. 

Abdul  Baha.  Excerpt  from  Tablet  revealed  for  Buffalo  Assembly; 
translated  May  4,  1910. 

History  itself  is  but  a  record  of  incessant  wars.  There  is  not  a  spot 
on  the  globe  which  has  not  been  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  men;  the 
whole  earth  is  blood  drenched.  The  basic  reason  for  this  slaughter  is  the 
division  between  religions:  each  sect  considering  the  religion  of  others 
as  barbarous  and  each  thinking  its  most  sacred  trust  was  to  shed  the  blood 
of  the  infidels.  The  surroundings  of  Acca  have  been  stained  several  times 
with  the  blood  of  thousands. 

But  now  Baha'o'llah  has  come  with  incomparable  glory  like  the  glow 
of  the  sun  at  mid-day,  the  moment  of  its  greatest  heat  and  light.  The 
Glory  of  God  has  proclaimed  a  Cause  that  until  now  none  have  heard. 
He  addresses  Himself  to  the  whole  of  humanity,  saying :  "  O  people  of  the 
world,  ye  are  all  the  branches  of  one  tree,  the  leaves  of  the  one  branch,  the 
drops  of  one  sea."  He  has  thus  proclaimied  human  unity,  struck  the 
universal  chord  of  harmony  uniting  the  races,  nations  and  tribes,  making 
the  whole  earth  one  native  land.  The  world  is  in  the  darkness  of  indiffer- 
ence and  Baha'o'llah  is  the  light  of  unity. 

One  sees,  in  the  thoughts  of  all,  signs  of  the  desire  for  this  unity.  In 
every  country  there  are  organizations  to  establish  peace.  Through  Baha- 
'o'llah hearts  have  been  attracted  to  love.  All  are  agreed  that  to  establish 
justice  between  the  members  of  the  human  family  is  the  most  stupendous 
project  of  the  ages. 

The  Cause  spread  first  in  Persia,  and  from  there  through  other  coun- 
tries. Many  of  those  who  spoke  of  these  ideals  of  reality  were  slow  to 
realize  that  they  emanated  from  Baha'o'llah,  they  often  spoke  as  though 
they  emanated  from  themselves.     The  earth  will  receive  the  perfect  sunrise 


ABDUL  BAHA  147 

when  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'Uah  are  world  spread.  When  He  says:  "Ye 
are  all  the  leaves  of  one  branch,"  He  infers  the  inherent  differences  be- 
tween men,  differences  like  unto  the  leaves. 

Nature  manifests  itself  in  various  forms,  but  the  basic  element  of  each 
is  the  same.     There  is  unity  of  essence  and  variety  of  expression. 

Such  differences  as  between  the  wolf  and  the  sheep,  for  instance,  be- 
tween light  and  darkness,  water  and  fire  are  the  cause  of  enmity.  Water 
extinguishes  fire  in  the  same  way  that  religious  differences  cause  annihila- 
tion. Reflect  on  what  is  taking  place  today.  Man  has  forgotten  the 
divine  principles. 

I  hope  you  will  become  manifest  lights. 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  pp.  23-25. 

Today  the  life  of  mankind  and  its  attainment  to  everlasting  glory  de- 
pends on  its  display  of  effort  and  exertion  in  accord  with  the  principles  of 
His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah;  for  His  first  and  foremost  teaching  consists  of 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  He  says:  "We  are  all  the  sheep  of 
God.  His  Highness  the  Almighty  is  the  real  shepherd,  and  kind  to  all 
the  sheep.  Why,  then,  should  we  be  unkind  toward  each  other?"  An- 
other of  His  most  great  institutes  deals  with  the  subject  of  universal  peace, 
the  establishment  of  which  would  be  conducive  to  the  well-being  and  progress 
and  tranquility  of  the  commonwealth  of  man. 

Other  precepts  of  Baha'o'llah  treat  of  the  identity  of  the  underlying 
foundations  of  the  religions  of  God,  the  original  oneness  of  the  nations, 
the  adoption  and  general  practice  of  a  universal  auxiliary  language  and  the 
inculcation  of  the  ideal  of  cosmopolitanism  and  world  patriotism  among 
the  children  of  men;  consequently  in  future  His  teachings  will  act  as  a 
deterrent  and  a  preventive  of  the  occurrence  of  the  most  great  danger  — 
i.e.,  universal  war.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  83. 

Consider  the  influence  of  the  Word  of  God,  that  although  people  of 
totally  different  temperament,  religion,  education  and  ideas  live  in  the 
"Pilgrim's  Home,"  never  do  we  hear  even  a  faint  whisper  of  ill-feeling 
against  each  other,  they  are  welded  together  by  the  alchemy  of  truth. 

If  you  take  bars  of  iron  and  tie  them  together,  no  matter  how  closely, 
they  will  not  become  one.  But  when  a  metallurgist  comes  on  the  scene 
he  takes  the  ten  bars,  melts  them  in  the  furnace  and  casts  them  in  one 
mould;  only  through  this  fiery  furnace  will  their  atoms  commingle  with 
each  other,  become  united  and  inseparable. 

This  is  the  work  that  Baha'o'llah  has  done  and  is  doing.  He  has  not 
tied  together  the  iron  bars  —  the  religions  of  the  world  —  with  the  rope  of 
indulgent  tolerance  or  ordinary  amenities  of  human  necessities,  which  are 
liable  to  break  at  any  time,  but  with  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  He  has 
melted  them  first  and  then  casting  them  in  one  mould  of  spiritual  brother- 
hood He  has  rendered  the  most  marvelous  service  to  the  world  of  humanity. 
Baha'o'llah  is  this  divine  Metallurgist,  and  those  who  have  deep  insight 
and  look  around  the  world  witness  daily  the  workings  of  the  principle  of 
fusion.  Abdul  Baha.     Notes  from  Fugita. 


148  COMPILATION 

INSTRUCTIONS 

*  *  *  The  new  Kingdom  hath  raised  its  tents  in  all  regions  and  hath  en- 
veloped East  and  West,  but  the  blind  ones  cannot  see  and  the  deaf  ones 
cannot  hear.  In  the  time  of  Christ,  the  doors  of  the  divine  Kingdom 
were  opened,  but  the  people  being  veiled  were  negligent  and  in  a  deep 
sleep.  Therefore,  they  were  deprived  of  the  spiritual  glory.  Now,  thank 
ye  God  that  ye  have  found  the  way  to  the  Kingdom  of  peace  and  salvation 
and  have  heard  the  call  of  the  true  One. 

Supplicate  God  that  ye  may  become  heavenly  hosts,  spreading  the 
oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity,  taking  in  hand  the  armor  of  peace  and 
conquering  the  hearts  with  the  sword  of  love. 

Ye  are  people  of  the  earth,  become  ye  angels  of  heaven.  Ye  are  from 
the  West,  draw  ye  bounties  from  the  East.  Be  ye  illumined,  become  ye 
heavenly,  become  ye  merciful  and  show  kindness  to  all  the  people ! 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  548. 

*  *  *  I  desire  for  you  distinction.  The  Bahais  must  be  distinguished 
from  others  of  humanity.  But  this  distinction  must  not  depend  upon 
wealth  —  that  they  should  become  more  affluent  than  other  people.  I  do 
not  desire  for  you  financial  distinction.  It  is  not  an  ordinary  distinction 
I  desire;  not  scientific,  commercial,  industrial  distinction.  For  you  I 
desire  spiritual  distinction;  that  is,  you  must  become  eminent  and  dis- 
tinguished in  morals.  In  the  love  of  God  you  must  become  distinguished 
from  all  else.  You  must  become  distinguished  for  loving  humanity,  for 
unity  and  accord,  for  love  and  justice.  In  brief,  you  must  become  dis- 
tinguished in  all  the  virtues  of  the  human  world;  for  faithfulness  and 
sincerity,  for  justice  and  fidelity,  for  firmness  and  steadfastness,  for  phil- 
anthropic deeds  and  service  to  the  human  world,  for  love  toward  every 
human  being,  for  unity  and  accord  uath  all  people,  for  removing  prejudices 
and  promoting  international  peace.  Finally  you  must  become  distin- 
guished for  heavenly  illumination  and  acquiring  the  bestowals  of  God. 
I  desire  this  distinction  for  you.  This  must  be  the  point  of  distinction 
among  you.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  10,  p.  17  (1912). 

O  ye  who  are  present! 

How  long  this  drowsiness  and  sleep!  How  long  this  ignorance  and 
blindness!  How  long  this  heedlessness  and  misery!  How  long  this 
oppression  and  injustice!  How  long  this  hatred  and  discord!  How  long 
this  rage  of  ignorant  ones!  How  long  this  grasping  with  frail  imaginations! 
How  long  this  strife  and  argument!  How  long  this  turmoil  and  these 
battles!  How  long  these  racial  prejudices!  How  long  these  patriarchal 
prejudices!    How  long  these  political  prejudices! 

Does  it  not  behoove  the  believers  to  have  their  hearts  submissive 
through  the  mentioning  of  God?  Has  God  sealed  the  hearts  and  has  the 
eye  become  veiled  with  the  clouds  of  injustice,  that  the  souls  are  not  aware 
of  God's  bounty  overflowing  unto  all? 

He  has  created  all  with  His  power,  supplied  all  with  His  mercy,  and 
trained  all  with  His  divinity.  You  will  not  find  in  the  creation  of  the 
Merciful  any  differences.     Then  let  us  follow  the  glorious  Lord  in  our 


ABDUL  BAHA  149 

good  polic}'^;  dealing  with  justice,  favor  and  generosity.  Let  us  leave  op- 
pression and  wickedness.  Let  us  be  as  one  family,  with  justice  and  kind- 
ness. Let  us  blend  as  water  and  wine.  Let  us  unite  as  the  unity  of  the 
souls.  We  cannot  establish  a  policy  greater  than  the  policy  of  God.  We 
cannot  find  anything  which  is  suitable  to  the  world  of  humanity  greater 
than  the  bounties  of  God.  Then  be  ye  guided  with  the  examples  of  the 
Lord.  Do  not  change  the  gift  of  God  —  which  is  perfect  unity  —  in  this 
path ! 

It  is  incumbent  upon  ye,  O  servants  of  God,  to  abandon  this  discord; 
establish  harmony,  love,  equity,  justice  and  mercy. 

O  ye  who  are  present!  The  old  centuries  have  passed  and  the  carpets 
of  hatred  and  struggle  have  rolled  up,  because  this  age  has  shone  with  the 
luminous  lights,  glorious  bounties,  admirable  verses,  apparent  signs,  lights 
which  are  dispersing  the  darkness,  alleviating  pain,  conductive  to  unity 
and  uprooting  in  harmony.  Thus  the  eyes  have  seen,  the  ears  have  heard, 
and  the  hearts  have  comprehended. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  154. 

*  *  *  O  ye  friends  of  God!  Through  the  appearance  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection  the  theories  are  abrogated  and  facts  are  established.  The  time 
of  superficiality  is  gone  by  and  the  cycle  of  reality  hath  appeared.  One 
must  become  the  incarnation  of  servitude,  the  personification  of  love, 
the  embodiment  of  spirituality  and  the  mirror  of  mercy. 

The  believers  must  become  the  cause  of  life;  deliver  the  people  from 
heedlessnness,  call  the  souls  to  the  perfection  of  humanity,  beckon  nations 
to  unity  and  agreement,  destroy  the  foundations  of  foreignness,  make 
every  one  as  friends  and  associates,  treat  the  negligent  souls  as  their  own 
children  and  train  and  educate  them  with  the  utmost  love;  so  that  the 
ignorant  become  wise,  the  blind  become  endowed  with  sight,  and  the  deaf 
be  given  hearing. 

O  ye  friends  of  God!  Beware!  Beware  of  diflFerences!  By  differences 
the  temple  of  God  is  razed  to  its  very  foundation  and  by  the  blowing  of  the 
winds  of  disagreement  the  Blessed  Tree  is  prevented  from  producing  any 
fruit.  By  the  intense  cold  of  the  diversity  of  opinions  the  rose-garden 
of  unity  is  withered  and  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  is  extinguished. 

*  *  *  There  is  no  outcome  or  result  to  these  discussions.  We  must  put 
aside  these  disputes  and  controversies,  nay  rather,  must  we  consign  them 
to  utter  oblivion  and  arise  to  do  that  which  is  indispensable  and  which  is 
demanded  of  us  in  this  day.  Controversies  are  words  and  not  significancies, 
theories  and  not  realities. 

The  quintessence  of  truth  is  this:  We  must  all  become  united  and 
harmonized  in  order  to  illumine  this  gloomy  world,  to  abolish  the  founda- 
tions of  hostility  and  animosity  from  among  mankind,  to  perfume  the 
inhabitants  of  the  universe  with  the  holy  fragrances  of  the  nature  and 
disposition  of  the  beauty  of  Abha;  to  enlighten  the  people  of  the  East  and 
the  West  with  the  light  of  guidance,  to  hoist  the  tent  of  the  love  of  God 
and  suffer  each  and  all  to  enter  under  its  protection;  to  bestow  comfort  and 
tranquility  to  every  one  under  the  shade  of  the  divine  tree,  to  astonish 
the  enemy  by  the  manifestation  of  the  utmost  love,  to  make  the  ravenous 


150  COMPILATION 

and  bloodthirsty  wolves  to  be  gazelles  of  the  meadow  of  the  love  of  God; 
to  administer  the  taste  of  nonresistance  to  the  tyrant,  to  teach  long- 
suffering  and  resignation  of  the  martyrs  to  the  murderer,  to  spread  the 
traces  of  oneness,  to  chant  the  praises  and  glorification  of  the  glorious 
Lord,  to  raise  the  voice  of  "Ya  Baha-El-Abha ! "  to  the  supreme  apex 
and  to  reach  the  ears  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Kingdom  with  the  cry  — 
"Verily,  the  earth  is  illumined  by  the  lights  of  its  Lord!"  This  is  reality! 
This  is  guidance!  This  is  service!  This  is  the  consummation  of  the  per- 
fection of  the  realm  of  humanity!  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablets,   Vol.   2,   p.   430. 

*  *  *  In  the  same  way  those  who  deliver  the  message  should  travel 
to  all  parts  of  the  country.  And  if  delivering  the  message  should  be  the 
cause  of  disturbance,  let  them  be  engaged  in  encouraging  and  educating 
the  friends,  in  order  that  those  souls  receive  spiritual  attraction  and  re- 
joice; seek  delight  and  ecstacy,  acquire  new  life  and  through  the  fragrances 
of  sanctity  gain  vivacity  and  freshness. 

The  object  is  this,  that  in  the  time  of  peace  and  safety  this  work  of  de- 
livering the  message  should  be  carried  on  with  the  utmost  fervor.  But 
when  there  is  no  peace  and  safety,  extreme  wisdom  should  be  exercised, 
though  no  complete  cessation  of  effort  is  permissable,  for  in  that  case  the 
divine  assistance  shall  be  entirely  cut  off.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  392. 

O  ye  friends  of  Abdul  Baha ! 

In  this  dispensation  and  lordly  cycle  the  fundamental  principle  and 
supreme  object  is  the  establishment  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity, 
so  that  through  this  oneness  and  agreement  all  war  and  contentions  may 
be  wiped  away  from  humankind  and  the  beloved  of  real  union  appear  in 
the  assembly  of  the  world. 

The  promulgators  of  this  union  must  be  the  believers  of  God,  so  that, 
through  the  merciful  power,  they  may  dispel  from  the  horizons  of  the  world 
the  darkness  of  strangeness,  and  the  adored  one  of  unity  may  unveil  her 
sweet  and  heart-captivating  countenance. 

If  the  least  ill-feeling  exists  amongst  the  friends  themselves,  how  can 
this  great  matter  be  realized.?  Therefore,  every  one  of  the  believers  must 
strive  valiantly  with  heart  and  soul,  so  that  not  the  least  particle  of  dust 
of  self  remain  upon  the  mirror  of  unity;  that  love  may  increase  day  by  day 
and  the  qualities  of  good-fellowship  and  intimacy,  friendship  and  mutual 
kindness  may  be  the  resplendent  realities  that  clothe  the  believers. 

O  God!  O  God!  I  lay  my  forehead  on  Thy  threshold  and  place  my 
face  in  the  dust  of  humility  and  submission,  look  toward  the  Kingdom  of 
mystery  and  beg  of  Thee  with  a  contrite,  entreating,  submissive,  broken, 
humble,  supplicating  and  pain-ridden  heart,  from  the  threshold  of  Thy 
holiness  in  the  world  of  light,  to  rend  asunder  the  veils  of  plurality,  so 
that  the  beauty  of  unity  may  be  revealed  in  the  hearts  with  manifest  signs. 

O  Lord,  make  Thy  believers  as  waves  of  the  sea  of  unity,  breezes  from 
the  rose-garden  of  Thy  singleness,  stars  of  the  heaven  of  amity  and  fellow- 
ship, pearls  of  the  ocean  of  love  and  guidance,  so  that  they  may  drink  from 


ABDUL  BAHA  151 

one  fountain,  breathe  in  one  air,  be  illumined  by  one  light  and  turn  their 
faces  entirely  toward  the  world  of  renunciation  and  the  center  of  unity. 
Verily  Thou  art  the  Mighty,  the  Beloved,  the  Glorious,  the  Most  High! 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  September  16,  1913. 

O  ye  cohorts  of  God!  Praise  be  to  God,  that  the  Blessed  Perfection 
hath  freed  the  necks  from  the  bonds  and  fetters  and  released  all  from  racial 
attachments  by  proclaiming: 

"Ye  are  all  the  fruits  of  one  tree  and  the  leaves  of  one  branch." 

Be  ye  kind  to  the  human  world  and  be  ye  compassionate  to  the  race  of 
man.  Deal  with  the  strangers  as  you  deal  with  the  friends.  Be  ye  gentle 
toward  the  outsiders  as  you  are  toward  the  beloved  ones.  Know  the 
enemy  as  the  friend.  Look  upon  the  satan  as  upon  the  angel.  Receive 
the  unjust  with  the  utmost  love  like  unto  a  faithful  one  and  diffuse  far 
and  wide  the  fragrances  of  the  musk  of  the  gazelles  of  Kheta  and  Khotan* 
to  the  nostrils  of  the  ravenous  wolves. 

Become  ye  a  shelter  and  an  asylum  to  the  fearful  ones.  Be  ye  a  cause 
of  tranquility  and  ease  to  the  souls  and  hearts  of  the  agitated  ones.  Im- 
part ye  strength  to  the  helpless  ones.  Become  ye  a  treasury  of  wealth  to 
the  indigent  ones.  Be  ye  a  remedy  and  antidote  to  the  afflicted  ones  and 
a  physician  and  nurse  to  the  sick  ones. 

Serve  ye  for  the  promotion  of  peace  and  concord  and  establish  in  this 
transitory  world  the  foundation  of  friendship,  fidelity,  reconciliation  and 
truthfulness. 

O  ye  cohorts  of  God !  Strive  ye  that  this  human  world  may  be  changed 
into  a  luminous  realm  and  this  mound  of  earth  become  the  paradise  of 
Abha.  Darkness  hath  environed  the  world  upon  all  sides.  Savage  tempers 
and  inclinations  predominate.  The  human  world  has  become  the  battle- 
field of  the  rapacious  savages  and  the  arena  of  the  heedless  and  ignorant 
ones.  The  souls  are  either  bloodthirsty  wolves  or  beasts  with  degenerate 
reason.  They  are  either  deadly  poison  or  worthless  plants.  There  are  a 
few  souls  who  in  reality  have  some  humanitarian  intentions  and  are  think- 
ing of  the  well-being  and  prosperity  of  humankind.  You  must  in  this 
instance  (that  is,  service  to  humanity)  sacrifice  your  lives  and  in  sacrificing 
your  lives  celebrate  happiness  and  beatitude. 

O  ye  cohorts  of  God !  His  Highness  the  Supreme  (The  Bab)  —  May 
my  life  be  a  sacrifice  to  Him !  —  hath  given  up  His  life  and  at  every  moment 
the  Blessed  Perfection  in  His  own  life  sacrificed  hundreds  of  lives,  endured 
dire  calamities  and  oppressions.  Laden  with  fetters  He  was  thrown  into 
the  dark  dungeon.  He  was  exiled  and  banished  to  distant  lands  and  finally 
passed  His  days  in  the  Most  Great  Prison  (Acca).  Likewise  a  multitude 
of  friends  drank  the  sweet  chalice  of  martyrdom  and  sacrificed  soul,  pos- 
session, family  and  relatives  for  the  Cause. 

How  many  houses  were  overthrown!  How  many  residences  were 
pillaged  and  rapined !  How  many  buildings  were  razed  to  the  foundation 
and  how  many  magnificent  palaces  were  turned  into  desolate  tombs!  All 
these  phenomena  transpired  only  that  the  world  of  humanity  may  become 
a  luminous  realm;    ignorance  be  changed  into  wisdom,  human  souls  be- 

*Two  cities  in  China. 


152  COMPILATION 

come  merciful;  warfare  and  bloodshed  be  destroyed  to  their  very  founda- 
tion and  the  kingdom  of  peace  become  paramount  over  all  men.  Now 
strive  ye  that  perchance  this  beloved  of  hopes  appears  in  the  assemblage  of 
the  world  and  this  providence  become  a  realized  fact. 

O  ye  cohorts  of  God!  Beware  lest  ye  oflFend  the  feelings  of  any  one, 
or  sadden  the  heart  of  any  person,  or  move  the  tongue  in  reproach  of  and 
finding  fault  with  anybody,  whether  he  be  friend  or  stranger,  believer  or 
enemy.  Pray  in  behalf  of  all  and  entreat  God  for  forgiveness  and  bounty 
for  all.  Beware,  beware  that  any  soul  take  revenge  or  retaliate  over 
another  even  if  he  be  a  bloodthirsty  enemy!  Beware,  beware  that  any 
one  rebuke  or  reproach  a  soul  though  he  be  an  ill-wisher  and  an  ill-doer! 
Do  ye  not  look  upon  the  creature,  advance  ye  toward  the  creator.  Behold 
ye  not  the  rebellious  people,  turn  your  faces  toward  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 
Look  ye  not  upon  the  ground,  raise  your  eyes  to  the  world-illumining  Sun, 
which  hath  transformed  every  atom  of  the  gloomy  soil  into  bright  and 
luminous  substance. 

O  ye  cohorts  of  God !  In  the  moment  of  catastrophe,  find  ye  patience, 
resignation  and  submission.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.    Tablets,  Vol  I,  p.  43. 

The  present  condition  of  the  Cause  in  Germany  is  most  satisfactory. 
The  believers  of  God  have  progressed  greatly  along  spiritual  lines.  All 
these  letters  testify  to  their  sincerity  and  faithfulness.  How  wonderful 
it  is!  If  the  Blessed  Beauty  were  living  and  I  took  these  petitions  to 
Him  from  Germany,  what  would  He  say! 

These  souls  are  most  sincere.  The  Cause  is  in  need  of  loyal  servants, 
souls  who  would  sacrifice  everything  for  the  sake  of  the  Beloved; 
souls  who  would  throw  to  the  winds  all  their  personal  ambitions;  then  they 
will  shine  like  glorious  suns  and  become'  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of 
others  —  they  will  shine  themselves  and  in  turn  enlighten  others.  This 
is  conducive  to  the  progress  of  the  Cause.  When  His  Holiness  Christ 
left  this  world  He  had  only  sixty  or  seventy  disciples,  or  according  to  the 
Book  of  Acts,  one  hundred  and  twenty  followers;  but  when  I  pass  away 
from  this  world  I  will  leave  behind  hundreds  of  thousands  of  followers. 
Praise  be  to  God  that  the  friends  are  to  be  found  in  every  part  of  the 
world.  *  *  * 

The  more  I  think  of  the  war,  the  more  I  realize  that  the  world  order  is 
being  disturbed.  Mankind  is  in  the  throes  of  a  deadly  contention.  Some 
of  the  German  friends  have  asked  that  the  victory  be  given  to  Germany. 
We  are  not  interfering  with  either  party. 

Here  at  the  Threshold  of  Baha'o'llah  we  pray  that  they  may  seek  peace 
and  settle  all  outstanding  disputes  by  a  judicial,  impartial,  international 
Court.  May  they  upraise  the  banner  of  universal  peace!  May  they 
strive  in  the  establishment  of  good-fellowship  and  amity  amongst  the 
children  of  men!  May  they  enkindle  the  hearts  with  the  fire  of  the  love 
of  God!  May  they  advance  the  cause  of  progress  and  real  civilization! 
May  their  hearts  be  touched  with  real  pity  and  sympathy!  May  they 
attain  to  such  heights  of  altruism  as  to  be  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  for 
each  other!     This  is  the  life  of  the  world  of  humanity!     This  is  accord 


ABDUL  BAHA  153 

with  the  good-pleasure  of  the  Blessed  Perfection!  Otherwise,  war  under 
whatever  pretext  is  cruel,  inhuman,  and  to  shed  the  blood  of  mankind  is 
a  crime  in  the  sight  of  God ! 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Oct.  12,  1914. 

In  the  world  there  have  been  organized  manj^  banquets,  assemblages 
or  meetings.  There  have  been  many  banquets  held;  but  those  assem- 
blages have  gathered  either  for  commercial  purposes  or  have  met  in  com- 
memoration of  political  achievements.  Meetings  have  been  held  for 
financing  certain  plans  or  for  the  promulgation  of  certain  scientific  accom- 
plishments. They  have  been  held  to  establish  agricultural  indus- 
tries or  for  territorial  agreements.  Many  are  the  assemblages  which  have 
been  held  in  the  world  for  consultation  upon  subjects  of  learning  and  educa- 
tion. These  meetings  have  had  for  the  r  object  the  advancement  of 
civilization.  But,  praise  be  to  God,  this  banquet  and  this  assemblage  are 
for  no  other  purpose  than  love;  for  the  purpose  of  showing  forth  the  king- 
dom; for  the  manifestation  of  the  traces  of  God;  for  reflecting  the  efful- 
gences of  the  Kingdom  of  God;  for  connecting  the  hearts  together;  for 
service  to  the  world  of  humanity;  for  the  promulgation  of  humanitarianism 
and  altruism;  for  promoting  and  advocating  international  peace;  for  the 
illumination  of  the  world  at  large.  Therefore,  such  an  assemblage  as  this 
is  matchless,  peerless,  because  every  other  assemblage  is  held  for  a 
limited  object,  for  a  personal  reason,  whereas  this  meeting  is  for  God 
and  God  only,  for  the  love  of  God,  It  is  for  the  love  of  the  hearts 
of  men.  It  is  for  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  So  it  behooves 
us  to  offer  thanks  to  God,  that  he  has  confirmed  us  in  attaining  thereto. 
He  has  suffered  us  to  be  the  servants  of  the  world  of  humanity,  to  be 
advocates  of  universal  peace  amongst  the  religions;  to  herald  universal 
peace  amongst  the  races;  to  establish  universal  peace  amongst  the  nations 
and   all   peoples. 

It  is  my  fervent,  fond  hope  that,  through  the  favor  of  God,  this  present 
meeting  may  be  instrumental  in  ushering  in  the  day  when  the  standard 
of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  shall  be  held  aloft  in  America. 
May  it  be  the  first  real  foundation  of  universal  peace.  May  it  have  for 
its  object  universal  service  to  man.  May  it  be  divine  philanthropy  to 
humanity.     May  it  never  observe  any  distinctions  or  differentiations. 

May  you  consider  all  the  religions  as  the  servers  of  God,  and  may  you 
regard  all  the  races  as  avenues  of  God's  Manifestations.  May  you  know 
humankind  to  be  the  sheep  of  God,  and  may  you  know  for  a  certainty 
that  God  is  the  real  shepherd  of  all.  Consider  how  this  kind  and  tender 
shepherd  most  gently  cares  for  all  his  flock;  how  he  leads  them  to  green 
pastures  and  beside  the  still  waters;  and  how  well  he  protects  them. 
Verily,  this  real  shepherd  observes  no  distinctions  whatsoever.  To  all  the 
sheep  he  is  kind.  Therefore,  we  must  emulate  the  example  of  God  and 
strive  in  pathways  of  good  and  well-wishing  for  all  humanity.  May  we 
endeavor  with  heart  and  soul  to  reconcile  the  religions  of  the  earth;  to 
reconcile  the  peoples  of  the  earth;  to  reconcile  and  unify  all  the  nations. 
May  we  uphold  the  flag  of  solidarity,  and  may  we  enkindle  a  light  which 
shall  illumine  all  regions  with  the  radiance  of  oneness. 


154  COMPILATION 

May  all  our  purposes  be  centralized  in  the  earnest  desire  of  attaining 
the  good  pleasure  of  God  and  may  our  supreme  effort  be  directed  to  the 
welding  together  of  the  human  household. 

Let  us  not  regard  our  own  respective  capacities;  nay  rather,  let  us 
regard  forever  the  favors  of  God.  The  drop  must  not  observe  its  own 
limited  capacity.  Nay  rather,  it  must  regard  the  sufficiency  and  capacity 
of  the  ocean  which  ever  glorifieth  the  drop. 

The  tender  and  simple  seed,  solitary  though  it  may  be,  must  not  look 
at  its  own  lack  of  power.  Nay  rather,  its  attention  must  ever  be  directed 
to  the  sun,  in  the  rays  of  which  it  basks;  and  it  must  ever  consider  the 
downpour  of  the  cloud  of  mercy.  For  the  bounty  of  the  cloud,  the  efful- 
gence and  heat  of  the  sun  and  the  breath  of  the  vernal  zephyrs  can  trans- 
form the  tiny  seed  and  develop  it  into  a  mighty  tree.  Remember  that  a 
single  infinitesimal  atom  in  the  ray  of  the  sun,  through  a  shining  beam  of 
the  solar  energy,  becomes  glorified  and  radiant.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Bah  a.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  97  (1912). 

Praise  be  to  God,  that  I  have  come  to  Stuttgart,  that  I  could  meet 
with  you.  Praise  be  to  God,  because  your  faces  are  radiant  with  the  light 
of  the  glory  of  God;  your  hearts  are  attracted  to  the  Kingdom  of  Abha, 
Thank  God  that  you  have  heard  the  call  of  God.  You  are  living  in  the 
day  of  the  Lord.  You  are  living  in  the  days  of  the  radiance  of  the  Sun  of 
Reality.  The  rays  of  this  Sun  have  poured  into  your  hearts  and  souls. 
Your  hearts  are  illuminated,  your  inner  vision  clear.  Your  spirit  rejoiced 
in  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  Thank  God  that  you  are  the 
elect  of  God.  He  has  elected  you  because  of  His  own  love.  The  mercies 
of  God  have  surrounded  you.  You  must  live  in  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  Baha'o'llah.  Be  loving  to  all  mankind.  Consort  with  all 
religions  in  amity  and  fragrance.  You  must  be  the  cause  of  the  education 
of  the  world  of  humanity.  At  present  the  world  is  still  very  dark.  From 
one  side  there  threatens  the  darkness  of  ignorance;  from  another  side  black 
enmity  is  visible;  from  the  other  side  we  hear  of  war  and  rumors  of  war. 
We  must,  like  candles,  shine  with  the  light  of  Baha'o'llah,  in  order  that 
through  your  efforts  this  darkness  may  be  dispelled.  The  light  of  the  love 
of  God  can  illumine  the  East  and  the  West.  It  can  change  hatred  and 
enmity  into  love  and  friendship.  The  clouds  which  veil  the  rays  of  the 
Sun  of  Reality  must  be  dispelled  and  made  to  disappear. 

The  world  must  be  rejuvenated.  Eternal  life  must  be  made  possible. 
The  rays  of  the  Kingdom  must  shine  forth.  The  breath  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  can  quicken  the  dead.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  Strive  and  work  so  that  the  standard  of  the  world  of  human 
oneness  may  be  raised  among  men,  so  that  the  lights  of  universal  peace 
may  shine  and  the  East  and  West  embrace,  and  the  material  world  become 
a  mirror  of  the  Kingdom  of  God;  that  eternal  light  may  shine  forth  and 
that  the  day  break  which  will  not  be  followed  by  the  night. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  67  (1912). 

The  principles  of  the  Bahai  Cause  are  the  pure  seeds  which  we  are 
sowing  in   the   fertile   ground.     Unquestionably   many   harvests  will   be 


ABDUL  BAHA  155 

gathered.     Daily  these  seeds  are  sprouting,  growing  in  size  and  verdancy 
and  soon  they  will  reach  the  stage  of  fruition.  *  *  *  To  the  Indians  say: 

God  is  the  shepherd  of  all  and  we  are  His  flock.  There  are  not  many 
races.  There  is  only  one  race.  Were  you  to  look  carefully  the  English- 
man is  the  Persian,  the  Persian  is  the  American,  the  American  is  the 
French,  the  French  is  the  German,  etc. 

Do  not  talk  about  politics.  Speak  about  the  good  work  the  EngHsh 
have  done  in  Egypt. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Oct.  11,  1913. 

Today  upon  the  earth  one  sees  the  sad  spectacle  of  cruel  war.  Man 
slays  his  brother  man  for  selfish  gain  and  to  enlarge  his  territories.  For 
this  ignoble  ambition  hate  has  taken  possession  of  his  heart  and  more 
and  more  blood  is  shed. 

Fresh  battles  are  fought,  the  armies  are  increased,  more  cannon,  more 
guns,  more  explosives  of  all  kinds  are  sent  out  —  so  does  bitterness  and 
hate  augment  from  day  to  day. 

But  this  assembly,  thank  God,  longs  only  for  peace  and  unity  and 
must  work  with  heart  and  soul  to  bring  about  a  better  condition  in  the 
world.  You  who  are  the  servants  of  God  fight  against  oppression,  hate 
and  discord,  so  that  wars  may  cease  and  God's  laws  of  peace  and  love  may 
be  established  among  men. 

Work!  Work,  with  all  your  strength.  Spread  the  cause  of  the  King- 
dom among  men.  Teach  the  self-sufficient  to  turn  humbly  towards  God, 
the  sinful  to  sin  no  more  and  await  with  glad  expectation  the  coming  of 
the  Kingdom. 

Love  and  obey  your  heavenly  Father  and  rest  assured  that  divine 
help  is  yours.  Verily,  I  say  unto  you  that  you  shall  indeed  conquer  the 
world. 

Only  have  faith,  patience  and  courage,  this  is  but  the  beginning;  but 
surely  you  will  succeed,  for  God  is  with  you. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  92. 

O  ye  spiritual  friends  of  Abdul  Baha! 

Perfume  thou  the  east!  Illumine  thou  the  west!  Bestow  thou  the 
light  to  the  north!     Grant  thou  life  to  the  south! 

This  verse  was  revealed  from  the  lips  of  the  Center  of  the  Covenant 
one  year  after  the  departure  of  Baha'o'llah,  but  the  Nakazeen  (not  under- 
standing its  spiritual  purport)  wondered  and  derided.  Praise  be  to  God, 
that  now  its  signs  have  become  manifest,  its  powers  evident,  and  its  proofs 
plain!  Thanks  be  unto  Him,  that  the  East  and  the  West  are  stirred  into 
cheerfulness  and  through  the  holy  fragrances  all  directions  are  perfumed. 

The  Blessed  Perfection,  in  a  clear  text,  hath  promised  us  in  the  Book: 
"Verily,  I  behold  you  from  the  horizon  of  Abha  and  will  make  victorious 
whomsoever  will  arise  in  the  service  of  my  Cause  with  the  hosts  of  the 
Supreme  Concourse  and  the  cohorts  of  the  favored  angels." 

Praise  be  to  God,  that  this  victory  and  confirmation  became  visible 
and  manifest  and  hath  shone  forth  from  the  horizon  of  the  world  like  unto 
the  sun. 


156  COMPILATION 

Therefore,  O  ye  friends  of  God,  show  ye  forth  an  earnest  endeavor 
and  display  ye  a  resolute  effort,  so  that  ye  may  become  assisted  in  the 
adoration  of  the  Ancient  Beauty  and  the  manifest  light,  to  be  the  cause  of 
the  spreading  of  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Truth;  to  infuse  into  the  dead, 
antiquated  body  of  the  world  a  new  spirit;  to  cast  in  the  fields  of  the  hearts 
pure  seeds;  to  arise  in  the  service  of  the  Cause;  to  speak  with  eloquent 
tongues;  to  become  candles  of  guidance  in  the  assemblage  of  the  world; 
to  become  shining  stars  in  the  firmament  of  the  existent  beings;  to  become 
merciful  birds  in  the  rose-garden  of  oneness;  to  sing  the  melodies  of  reali- 
ties and  significances;  to  spend  every  breath  of  your  existence  in  the  ser- 
vice of  this  conspicuous  light;  so  that  in  the  end  ye  may  be  freed  from  loss 
and  failure  and  attain  to  the  inexhaustible  treasury  of  the  Kingdom. 

The  life  of  man  is  wholly  subject  to  danger  and  impermanency.  A 
person  cannot  put  his  assurance  even  in  one  moment's  continuity.  Not- 
withstanding this,  the  nations  of  the  world,  deceived  by  the  mirage  of 
superstition  imagine  themselves  secure  in  the  heavenly  way.  Alas !  Alas ! 
Former  communities  in  bygone  ages  entertained  the  same  perishing 
thoughts;  but  by  one  of  those  periodical  fluctuations  they  were  all  hidden 
under  the  ground  and  afflicted  with  deprivation  and  loss,  except  those 
souls  who  had  become  pure  evanscence  and  had  arisen  with  great  self- 
abnegation  in  the  path  of  God.  Such  souls  shine  forth  as  brilliant  stars 
from  the  horizon  of  the  Ancient  Glory,  and  the  results  which  emanated 
from  their  lives  in  succeeding  ages  and  cycles  are  the  proofs  of  this  state- 
ment. Therefore,  do  not  ye  rest,  neither  day  nor  night  seek  ye  not  for 
composure;  talk  ye  of  the  mystery  of  servitude  and  seek  ye  the  path  of 
thraldom,  so  that  through  the  promised  confirmation  ye  may  receive  as- 
sistance from  the  Kingdom  of  oneness. 

O  ye  friends!  Dense  and  gloomy  clouds  have  covered  the  horizon  of 
the  world  and  the  darkness  of  hatred,  malignity,  persecution,  tyranny  and 
the  greatest  cruelty  is  spreading.  All  the  people  are  drunk  with  the  wine 
of  heedlessness,  and  bloodthirstiness  and  rapaciousness  are  considered 
the  noblest  excellencies  of  the  world  of  men. 

His  Highness  the  Almighty  hath  chosen  the  friends  from  among  the 
concourse  of  men  and  hath  especialized  them  wdth  the  most  eminent  guid- 
ance and  the  highest  gift,  so  that  we  may  with  our  souls  and  hearts  exert 
ourselves,  sacrifice  our  lives,  be  engaged  in  the  guidance  of  the  people  and 
the  training  of  souls;  so  that  the  wild  beasts  may  become  the  gazelles 
of  the  meadows  of  unity;  the  wolves  become  the  sheep  of  God,  the  blood- 
thirsty ones  become  the  heavenly  angels;  the  fire  of  maUce  be  extinguished 
and  the  flame  of  safety  in  the  blessed  tabernacle  bestow  illumination;  the 
odor  of  the  nether  realm  of  infidelity  be  dispelled  and  the  fragrances  of  the 
rose-garden  of  faithfulness  be  diffused  in  all  parts;  the  weak  draw  light 
from  the  universal  reason  and  evil  souls  seek  to  be  purified  with  the  holy 
and  divine  breath.  There  are  needed  manifestors  for  this  gift,  farmers 
for  this  field,  gardeners  for  this  rose-garden,  fishes  for  this  sea,  luminous 
stars  for  this  heaven,  spiritual  physicians  for  these  ill  ones  and  loving 
guides  for  these  wanderers;  so  that  they  may  bestow  a  share  on  those  who 
are  deprived,  grant  a  portion  to  those  who  are  shareless,  give  unmeasured  trea- 
sure to  the  indigent  ones  and  show  forth  the  power  of  proof  to  the  seekers. 


ABDUL  BAH  A  157 

Glory  be  unto  Thee,  O  my  God!  I  supplicate  unto  Thee,  O  Thou  my 
helper!  I  invoke  Thee,  O  Thou  my  refuge!  I  utter  to  Thee  my  agonies, 
O  Thou  my  physician  and  entreat  Thee  with  all  my  heart,  my  soul  and 
my  spirit,  saying: 

O  my  God!  O  my  God!  Verily,  the  gloomy  night  hath  fallen  upon 
all  regions  and  the  clouds  of  ignorance  have  extended  in  all  directions. 
The  people  are  immersed  in  the  darkness  of  surmise  and  the  tyrants  are 
sunk  in  the  depths  of  brutality  and  lawlessness.  The  red  glare  of  the  burn- 
ing fire  is  flashing  forth  from  the  nether  world,  roaring,  ominous  voices  are 
rising  from  the  cruel,  destructive  and  terrible  armaments;  every  region 
is  crying  out  with  its  dumb  secret  tongue:  "Nothing  that  I  possess  hath 
benefitted  me  and  power  and  strength  are  taken  away  from  me!" 

Verily,  O  my  God,  the  lamps  of  guidance  are  extinguished.     The  fire 
of  animosity  is  enkindled,  wrath  and  antipathy  are   spread  abroad  and 
provocation  and  maliciousness  are  disseminated  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 
Yet  I  see  only  Thy  wronged  followers  who  are  crying  at  the  tops  of  their 
voices  and  summoning  the  people: 
Hasten  ye  toward  aflanity ! 
Hasten  ye  toward  faithfulness! 
Hasten  ye  toward  generosity! 
Hasten  ye  toward  union! 
Hasten  ye  to  behold  the  light  of  the  world! 
Hasten  ye  toward  love  and  prosperity! 
Hasten  ye  toward  peace  and  reconciliation! 
Hasten  ye  toward  the  law  of  disarmament! 
Hasten  ye  toward  harmony  and  success! 

Hasten  ye  toward  cooperation  and  mutual  help  in  the  path  of  guidance  ! 
Verily,  these  wronged  ones  do  sacrifice  themselves,  souls  and  spirits, 
throughout  all  regions,  with  infinite  joy  and  happiness  for  the  sake  of  the 
people.  Verily,  Thou  beholdest  them  weeping  at  the  misfortunes  of  every 
one  of  Thy  creatures  and  grieved  at  the  distress  of  Thy  children.  They 
are  kind  to  all  the  people  and  pained  at  the  sight  of  the  calamities  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world.  O  my  Lord,  make  the  wings  of  prosperity  to 
grow  upon  their  shoulders,  so  that  they  may  ever  soar  toward  the  apex  of 
their  aspirations;  strengthen  their  loins  in  the  service  of  Thy  people  and 
confirm  them  in  the  thraldom  and  adoration  of  the  threshold  of  Thy 
holiness. 

Verily,  Thou  art  the  Merciful!  Thou  art  the  Clement!  There  is  no 
God  but  Thee,  the  powerful,  the  compassionate  and  the  ancient. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  14. 

I  have  repeatedly  spoken  to  you  and  I  have  invited  you  to  the  unity  of 
the  world  of  humanity.  I  have  told  you  that  all  mankind  are  servants  of 
the  same  God;  that  God  is  the  creator  of  all;  He  is  the  provider  of  all; 
He  is  the  life  giver  of  all;  He  is  affectionate  to  all;  that  before  God  all  are 
as  servants  of  one  God,  and  God  is  compassionate  towards  them  all.  There- 
fore, we  must  act  in  utmost  kindness  and  affection  towards  all  the  nations 
of  the  world.     We  must  set  aside  all  fanaticism  and  religious  prejudices. 


158  COMPILATION 

We  must  forget  all  national  prejudices.  We  must  forget  all  native  preju- 
dices. *  *  * 

As  to  you  who  are  present  here:  Your  eyes  have  been  illumined,  your 
ears  have  been  made  hearing,  your  hearts  are  knowing.  You  must  be 
free  from  every  kind  of  prejudice  and  fanaticism;  you  must  see  no  difiFer- 
ences  among  the  races;  you  must  see  no  differences  among  the  religions. 
You  must  look  to  God,  for  God  is  the  real  shepherd  and  all  men  are  His 
sheep.  This  shepherd  is  one  and  He  is  affectionate  toward  all  the  sheep. 
While  the  ideal  shepherd  is  kind  unto  all,  is  it  allowable  that  these  sheep 
should  quarrel  among  themselves?  *  *  *  As  I  seek  from  God  eternal  glory 
in  your  behalf,  I  therefore,  am  giving  you  this  exhortation. 

You  all  see  what  is  happening  in  the  Balkans.  How  human  blood  is 
being  shed.  How  little  children  are  torn  into  pieces !  How  men's  proper- 
ties are  pillaged !  How  cities  and  towns  are  sacked !  It  is  a  world-enkind- 
ling fire  that  is  astir  in  the  Balkans.  God  has  created  them  as  men  to  love 
one  another,  but  they  bleed  each  other.  God  has  created  them  in  order 
that  they  may  cooperate  with  each  other,  but  they  pillage  each  other's 
property  and  shed  each  other's  blood.  God  has  created  them  to  be  the 
cause  of  felicity  and  peace  to  one  another,  but  they  are  causing  trials  and 
hardships  unto  each  other. 

As  to  you:  your  efforts  must  be  made  lofty.  Exert  yourselves  with 
your  heart  and  soul,  so  that  perchance,  thru  your  efforts  the  light  of  uni- 
versal peace  may  shine  and  this  darkness  of  estrangement  and  enmity  may 
be  dispelled  from  amongst  men;  so  that  all  men  may  become  as  one  family 
and  be  kind  unto  one  another;  that  the  East  may  assist  the  West;  that 
the  West  may  aid  the  East,  for  all  are  the  denizens  of  the  one  planet  and 
all  are  peoples  of  the  one  nativity,  and  all  are  the  flocks  of  the  one  shepherd. 

Consider  how  the  prophets  who  have  been  sent,  and  the  great  souls 
who  have  appeared  from  amongst  men,  and  the  sages  who  have  arisen  in 
the  world,  have  all  given  exhortations  unto  men.  They  have  all  taught  love 
and  affection  to  humanity.  They  have  all  guided  human  souls  toward 
union  and  harmony.  These  great  prophets  and  saints  and  seers  and 
philosophers  have  all  sacrificed  their  lives  in  order  to  establish  these  teach- 
ings amongst  men.  Consider  how  heedless  the  world  is,  for  notwith- 
standing all  the  pains  taken  by  these  prophets  of  God  in  their  time,  the 
people  are  still  fighting  one  another.  Notwithstanding  all  the  heavenly 
commandments  to  love  one  another  they  are  shedding  each  other's  blood ! 
How  heedless  are  these  people !  How  ignorant  are  these  people !  How  in 
darkness  are  these  people!  They  have  such  a  compassionate  God  who  is 
so  kind  toward  all  men,  and  yet  they  act  against  His  good  pleasure !  And 
yet  they  live  in  opposition  to  His  behests!  God  is  kind  towards  all  men 
and  yet  they  show  the  utmost  enmity  each  toward  the  other!  God  gives 
life  unto  them  all,  yet  they  destroy  each  other's  lives!  God  blesses  and 
builds  their  houses;  they  raze  and  sack  each  other's  homes!  Consider 
how  heedless  are  such  people!     Consider  how  ignorant  are  such  people! 

As  to  you:  your  duty  is  of  another  kind,  for  you  are  informed  con- 
cerning the  mysteries  of  God.  Your  eyes  are  illumined.  Your  ears  are 
made  hearing.  You  must  therefore,  look  towards  each  other  and  then 
towards  all  mankind  with  the  utmost  love  and  kindness,  for  you  have  no 


ABDUL  BAHA  159 

excuse  to  bring  before  God  if  you  do  not  live  in  this  way,  as  you  are  in- 
formed of  that  which  constitutes  the  good  pleasure  of  God.  You  have 
heard  His  commandments.  You  have  hearkened  unto  His  words  of  advice. 
You  must  therefore,  be  kind  to  all  men;  you  must  even  be  kind  to  your 
enemies  as  to  your  friends.  You  must  even  consider  your  evil-wishers  as 
your  well-wishers.  You  must  consider  as  agreeable  those  who  are  not 
agreeable  towards  you;  so  that,  perchance,  this  darkness  of  conflict  may 
disappear  from  amongst  men  and  the  light  of  the  divine  may  shine  forth; 
so  that  the  Orient  may  be  illumined ;  that  the  Occident  may  be  filled  with 
fragrance;  nay,  the  East  and  the  West  must  embrace  each  other  in  love 
and  deal  with  one  another  in  the  utmost  affection.  *  *  *  Unto  this  I  call 
you.  Abdul  Baha.    Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  18,  p.  3. 

When  you  enter  a  public  meeting,  deliver  this  message  from  Abdul  Baha : 

O  ye  friends  of  God !  All  the  people  of  the  world  today  are  the  workmen 
of  destruction  or  ruin.  Everyone,  as  though  with  an  axe,  is  striking  at  the 
root  of  the  foundation  of  humanity.  They  hold  in  their  hands  great  im- 
plements of  warfare  and  destruction.  Among  the  greatest  is  the  axe  of 
religious  prejudice  or  sectarian  bias,  as  well  as  that  of  racial  bias.  Another 
is  the  axe  of  political  warfare.  Another  implement  of  destruction  is  the 
axe  of  patriotic  bias.  Another  implement  of  ruin  is  the  persistent  accumu- 
lation of  commercial  benefit  or  profit.  Another,  the  love  of  conquest  of 
new  domains,  as  is  also  the  enmity,  hatred  and  bigotry  among  the  nations 
and  tribes.  These  souls  are  entirely  inadvertent  to  the  Kingdom  of  God, 
deprived  of  the  relations  of  unity  and  despaired  of  the  life  eternal.  Al- 
though outwardly  they  may  be  extremely  civilized,  nevertheless  they  live 
in  darkness. 

Now  God  has  chosen  you  from  among  mankind  and  has  guided  you 
into  the  Kingdom,  has  enlightened  your  hearts  with  the  light  of  the  love 
of  God,  so  that  you  may  be  the  cause  of  guidance  to  these  people.  In 
order  that  you  may  become  such  a  cause  of  guidance  to  the  world  of 
humanity,  He  has  appointed  you  as  the  builders  of  the  edifice  of  true 
manhood.  Consider  with  what  a  power  of  morals  you  must  arise  in  order 
to  withstand  the  vicissitudes. 

All  these  people,  all  these  promoters  or  workers  of  warfare  and  ruin 
are  spreading  the  seeds  of  hatred  among  the  nations.  Now  consider  with 
what  peace  and  accord  you  must  go  forth,  in  order  that  you  may  be  capable 
of  overcoming  these  antagonistic  forces. 

It  is  my  hope  that  you  may  prove  yourselves  to  be  the  first  servants 
of  the  realm  of  humanity  and  the  builders  of  the  edifice  of  divine  justice; 
that  you  may  radiate  the  light  of  the  love  of  God  to  such  an  extent  as  to  be 
able  to  remove  entirely  the  gloom,  the  darkness  of  hatred,  bigotry  and 
enmity,  from  among  humanity. 

Know  all  mankind,  from  all  the  nations,  sects  and  tribes,  as  your  kith  and 
kin.  Consider  not  their  deeds,  but  only  God.  Seek  your  reward  trom 
Him  and  not  from  them.  Know  the  aged  from  all  nations  as  your  fathers, 
the  juvenile  as  your  brothers  and  the  children  as  your  own.  No  matter 
what  lack  of  courtesy,  or  what  severe  persecutions  or  stern  expressions  of 
hate  and  unfathomable  enmity  you  receive,  you  must  not  change  your 


160  COMPILATION 

conduct;  you  must  have  no  excuse.  You  must  not,  for  example,  give  as 
excuse  the  following:  "So  and  so  has  spoken  unkindly  about  me"  —  "So 
and  so  has  not  done  me  justice";  —  nay  rather,  you  must  have  no  excuse. 
Live  according  to  the  divine  teachings,  whether  humanity  prove  agreeable 
or  disagreeable,  whether  humanity  prove  hateful  or  loving,  whether  it 
receive  you  or  cast  you  out,  so  that,  perchance,  you  may  be  assisted  in 
hoisting  the  standard  ot  peace  and  pitching  the  tabernacle  of  the  oneness 
and  solidarity  of  the  world  of  humanity;  so  that  this  temporal  life  may 
terminate  in  the  life  everlasting  and  this  darkness  of  ignorance,  which  has 
pervaded  the  whole  world,  may  be  converted  into  the  illumination  of 
guidance;  so  that  this  material  man  may  become  celestial  and  these  earthly 
souls  become  heavenly,  that  the  blind  may  become  perceptive,  the  deaf 
attentive,  the  ignorant  wise,  the  dead  alive;  so  that,  in  fact,  the  Kingdom 
of  God  in  the  world  of  humanity,  may  in  the  utmost  glory,  pitch  its  canopy 
—  its  tabernacle.  Abdul  Baha.     Message  thru  Mr.  K.  (1909). 

With  hearts  set  aglow  with  the  fire  of  the  love  ot  God  and  spirits  re- 
freshed by  the  food  of  the  heavenly  spirit  you  must  go  forth  as  the  disciples 
nineteen  hundred  years  ago  quickening  the  hearts  of  men  by  the  call  of 
glad-tidings,  the  light  of  God  in  your  faces,  severed  from  everything  save 
God.  Therefore,  order  your  lives  in  accord  with  the  first  principle  of  the 
divine  teaching,  which  is  love.  Service  to  humanity  is  service  to  God. 
Let  the  love  and  light  of  the  Kingdom  radiate  through  you  until  all  who 
look  upon  you  shall  be  illumined  by  its  reflection.  Be  as  stars  brilliant 
and  sparkling  in  the  loftiness  of  their  heavenly  station.  Do  you  appreciate 
the  day  in  which  you  live? 

This  is  the  century  of  the  Blessed  Perfection! 

This  is  the  cycle  of  the  light  of  His  beauty ! 

This  is  the  consummate  day  of  all  the  prophets! 

These  are  the  days  of  seed-sowing.  These  are  the  days  of  tree-planting. 
The  bountiful  bestowals  of  God  are  successive.  He  who  sows  a  seed  in 
this  day  will  behold  his  reward  in  the  fruits  and  harvest  of  the  heavenly 
Kingdom.  This  timely  seed  when  planted  in  the  hearts  of  the  beloved  of 
God  will  be  watered  by  showers  of  divine  mercy  and  warmed  by  the  sun- 
shine of  divine  love.  Its  fruitage  and  flower  shall  be  the  solidarity  of 
mankind,  perfection  of  justice  and  praiseworthy  attributes  of  heaven 
manifest  in  humanity.  All  who  sow  such  a  seed,  plant  such  a  tree,  accord- 
ing to  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah  shall  surely  witness  this  divine  outcome 
in  all  degrees  of  its  perfection,  and  will  attain  unto  the  good  pleasure  of 
His  Highness  the  Merciful  One. 

Today  the  nations  of  the  world  are  self -engaged;  occupied  with  mortal 
and  transitory  accomplishments;  consumed  by  the  fires  of  passion  and 
self.  Self  is  dominant;  enmity  and  animosity  prevail.  Nations  and 
people  are  thinking  only  of  their  worldly  interests  and  outcomes.  The 
clash  of  war  and  din  of  strife  is  heard  among  them  But  the  friends  of  the 
Blessed  Perfection  have  no  thoughts  save  the  thoughts  of  heaven  and  the 
love  of  God.  Therefore,  you  must  without  delay  employ  your  powers 
in  spreading  the  effulgent  glow  of  the  love  of  God  and  so  order  your  lives 
that  you  may  be  known  and  seen  as  examples  of  its  radiance.     You  must 


ABDUL  BAHA  161 

deal  with  all  in  loving  kindness  in  order  that  this  precious  seed  intrusted 
to  your  planting  may  continue  to  grow  and  bring  forth  its  perfect  fruit. 
The  love  and  mercy  of  God  will  accomplish  this  through  you  if  you  have 
love  in  your  own  heart.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  8,  p.  3. 

I  hope  you  are  all  happy  and  well.  I  am  not  happy,  but  very  sad. 
The  news  of  the  Battle  of  Benghazi  grieves  my  heart.  I  wonder  at  the 
human  savagery  that  still  exists  in  the  world!  How  is  it  possible  for  men 
to  fight  from  morning  until  night,  killing  each  other,  shedding  the  blood  of 
their  fellowmen!  And  for  what  object.'^  To  gain  possession  of  a  part 
of  the  earth!  Even  the  animals  when  they  fight  have  an  immediate  and 
more  reasonable  cause  for  their  attacks.  How  terrible  is  it  that  men, 
who  are  of  the  higher  kingdom,  can  descend  to  slaying  and  bringing  misery 
to  their  fellow  beings  for  the  possession  of  a  tract  of  land. 

The  highest  of  created  beings  fighting  to  obtain  the  lowest  form  of 
matter,  earth.  Land  belongs  not  to  the  one  people,  but  to  all  people. 
This  earth  is  not  man's  home,  but  his  tomb.  It  is  for  their  tombs  these 
men  are  fighting.  There  is  nothing  so  horrible  in  this  world  as  the  tomb, 
the  abode  of  the  decaying  bodies  of  men. 

However  great  the  conqueror,  however  many  countries  he  may  reduce 
to  slavery,  he  is  unable  to  retain  any  part  of  these  devastated  lands  but 
one  tiny  portion  —  his  tomb.  If  more  land  is  required  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  condition  of  the  people,  for  the  spread  of  civilization  (for  the 
substitution  of  just  laws  for  brutal  customs)  surely  it  would  be  possible 
to  acquire  peaceably  the  necessary  extension  of  territory. 

But  war  is  made  for  the  satisfaction  of  men's  ambition;  for  the  sake 
of  worldly  gain  to  the  few,  terrible  misery  is  brought  to  numberless  homes, 
breaking  the  hearts  of  hundreds  of  men  and  women. 

How  many  widows  mourn  their  husbands,  how  many  stories  of  savage 
cruelty  do  we  hear!  How  many  little  orphaned  children  are  crying  for 
their  dead  fathers,  how  many  women  are  weeping  for  their  slain  sons! 
There  is  nothing  so  heart-breaking  and  terrible  as  an  outburst  of  human 
savagery ! 

I  charge  you  all  that  each  one  of  you  concentrate  all  the  thoughts  of 
your  hearts  on  love  and  unity.  When  a  thought  of  war  comes  oppose 
it  by  a  stronger  thought  of  peace.  A  thought  of  hatred  must  be  destroyed 
by  a  more  powerful  thought  of  love.  Thoughts  of  war  bring  destruction 
to  all  harmony,  well-being,  restfulness  and  content. 

Thoughts  of  love  are  constructive  of  brotherhood,  peace,  friendship 
and  happiness. 

When  soldiers  of  the  world  draw  their  swords  to  kill,  soldiers  of  God 
clasp  each  other's  hands.  So  may  all  the  savagery  of  man  disappear  by 
the  mercy  of  God,  working  thru  the  pure  in  heart  and  the  sincere  of  soul. 
Do  not  think  the  peace  of  the  world  an  ideal  impossible  to  attain.  Nothing 
is  impossible  to  the  divine  benevolence  of  God. 

If  you  desire  with  all  your  heart  friendship  with  every  race  on  earth, 
your  thought,  spiritual  and  positive,  will  spread;  it  will  become  the  desire 
of  others,  growing  stronger  and  stronger,  until  it  reaches  the  minds  of 
all  men. 


162  COMPILATION 

Do  not  despair!  Work  steadily.  Sincerity  and  love  will  conquer 
hate.  How  many  seemingly  impossible  events  come  to  pass  in  these  days. 
Set  your  faces  steadily  towards  the  Light  of  the  world.  Show  love  to  all, 
"  Love  is  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart  of  man."  Take  courage ! 
God  never  forsakes  his  children  who  strive  and  work  and  pray.  Let  your 
hearts  be  filled  with  the  strenuous  desire  that  tranquility  and  harmony 
may  encircle  all  this  warring  world.  So  will  success  crown  your  efforts, 
and  with  the  universal  brotherhood  will  come  the  Kingdom  of  God  in 
peace  and  good- will. 

In  this  room  today  are  members  of  many  races,  French,  American, 
English,  German,  Italian,  brothers  and  sisters,  meeting  in  friendship  and 
harmony.  Let  this  gathering  be  a  foreshadowing  of  what  will,  in  very 
truth,  take  place  in  this  world,  when  every  child  of  God  realizes  that  all 
are  leaves  of  one  tree,  flowers  in  one  garden,  drops  in  one  ocean,  and  sons 
and  daughters  of  one  Father,  whose  name  is  Love! 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.   23. 

I  am  very  unhappy  to  see  how  wicked  and  uncivilized  human  beings 
can  be,  the  motive  for  fighting  is  so  small  and  ignoble.  They  are  fighting 
for  the  earth,  which  is  the  lowest  form  of  matter. 

The  earth  is  not  the  home  of  the  living,  it  is  their  tomb.  Pray  for  all 
the  world.  Think  and  pray  tor  peace.  Never  be  discouraged  that  your 
prayers  will  not  bear  fruit. 

These  nations  are  thinking  hate.  You  think  with  all  your  powers 
love.  They  are  calling  war.  Send  out  a  call  for  peace.  I  know  that 
your  prayers  will  prevail.     Be  not  fearful! 

Abdul  Baha.     Talk  in  Paris,  France,  in  1911. 

I  want  to  tell  you  that  most  of  the  nations  and  the  majority  of  the 
people  are  in  perfect  ignorance.  They  are  trying  day  and  night  to  do 
something  to  destroy  the  foundation  of  man.  There  are  among  them 
political  fights  and  wars.  There  are  conflicts  and  disturbances.  Every 
day  they  are  inventing  new  instruments  for  the  destruction  of  human  life. 
There  are  among  them  also  religious  disputes  and  conflicts  and  disputes 
of  art;  conflicts  and  disputes  of  trade  and  also  conflicts  and  disputes  ot 
patriotism.  You  hardly  find  two  men  between  whom  there  is  real  har- 
mony and  sympathy. 

Now  you  must  do  your  best,  so  that  you  may  be  able  to  remove  all 
these  conflicts  and  disputes.  You  will  change  this  darkness  into  light; 
you  V,  ill  change  this  hatred  and  menace  into  love  and  harmony,  because 
your  aim  is  a  glorious  one.  It  is  sure  that  you  will  have  to  endure  many 
difficulties  in  this  Cause  and  that  great  obstacles  will  come  before  you, 
you  will  have  many  hindrances;  but  you  must  confront  them  all,  and  you 
must  endure  all  these  difficulties.  You  must  give  up  all  differences  among 
you  —  differences  of  opinion  —  and  all  should  work  for  the  same  aim. 
You  must  be  qualified  with  divine  attributes,  so  that  the  Word  of  God 
may  assist  you;  so  that  the  bounties  of  God  may  descend  upon  you.  Know 
that  without  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit  you  will  not  be  able  to  do  this. 
The  magnetism  ot  the  Word  of  God  is  sincerity  of  intention.     Until  you 


ABDUL  BAHA  163 

are  entirely  severed  from  yourself  and  emptied  ot  yourself  you  will  never 
be  sincere  enough.  You  must  entirely  sacrifice  yourself.  You  must  close 
your  eyes  to  all  rest.  You  must  give  up  even  your  happiness  and  your 
enjoyments,  so  that  you  may  be  able  to  do  this.  It  is  true  that  you  will 
be  blamed  very  much  and  that  you  will  have  some  difficulties  and  troubles. 
It  is  sure  that  people  will  show  enmity  toward  you  and  it  is  possible  that 
your  own  relatives  will  even  try  to  oppose  you.  But  you  must  be  firm, 
and  if  you  be  firm  and  steadfast,  be  sure  that  you  will  become  victorious. 
You  will  be  the  cause  of  the  union  of  the  world  of  humanity.  As  Christ 
said  to  the  rich  man :  "  Go,  and  give  all  you  have,  take  up  your  cross,  and 
come  and  be  my  follower."  This  saying  of  Christ  indicates  that  unless 
one  is  free  from  everything,  one  cannot  become  a  real  follower  of  Christ. 
Abdul  Baha.     Kinney,  Beede,  Thompson  Notes,   1909. 

Now  my  hope  is  that  every  member  of  the  assembly  will  shine  like  a 
lamp,  will  throw  the  reflection  of  the  rays  of  divine  love  upon  all  horizons 
of  that  region,  will  become  the  cause  of  the  education  of  souls,  will  culti- 
vate moral  characters,  will  call  all  to  the  greatest  guidance,  will  chant  the 
verses  of  the  unity  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  will  raise  the  banner  of 
the  universal  glad  tidings.  Then  the  gardener  of  divine  bounty  will  attend 
to  pruning  the  flowers  of  realities  and  significances  in  the  flower  beds  of 
the  gardens  of  that  country,  and  will  remove  the  thorns  and  weeds  of 
religious  and  racial,  national  and  personal  prejudices.  And  then  the 
roses  of  the  unity  of  the  human  species  and  of  love  and  union  will  bloom. 

O  friends,  all  nations  and  tribes,  all  religions  and  cults  in  all  regions  are 
occupied  in  preparing  and  improving  weapons  of  fighting  and  striking  and 
in  inventing  destructive  materials.  You  who  are  Bahais,  ought,  in  oppo- 
sition to  this  injustice  and  oppression,  tyranny  and  aggression,  to  open 
the  doors  of  affection  and  love,  union  and  freedom  upon  the  face  of  the 
human  world;  become  a  river  of  peace  and  purity  to  extinguish  the  fire 
of  war  and  quarrel,  and  remove,  thru  the  light  of  love  and  fidelity,  the 
darkness  of  oppression  and  cruelty,  in  order  that  this  world  consuming 
fire  be  put  down  and  extinguished. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Tablet  to  Oakland  Assembly,  1906. 

This  morning  I  saw  an  account  of  a  terrible  battle  again  in  the  Turko- 
Italian  war.  Again  the  blood  of  the  unhappy  ones  is  being  shed  for  the 
possession  of  land.  I  have  said  before  that  the  earth  belonged  to  no  one 
but  to  God.  Consider  how  many  great  nations  have  possessed  colonies 
and  have  lost  them.  Remember  the  great  empires  that  have  fallen,  that 
of  Charlemagne  and  that  of  Napoleon  I.  All  people  are  merely  tenants 
of  lands  in  which  they  live  and  call  their  own.  One  day  they  will  lose  what 
they  have.  And  now,  alas,  two  nations  are  spilling  one  another's  blood 
for  the  possession  of  lands. 

God  made  man  superior  to  the  rest  of  creation  so  that  he  might  be  the 
center  of  love  and  unity,  peace  and  civilization,  not  that  he  might  be  no 
better  than  the  animals,  ferocious  and  self-seeking.  God's  desire  is  that 
man  should  be  angelic,  luminous,  the  dispenser  of  justice  and  equity,  not 
that  he  should  transgress  the  laws.     Men  should  help  one  another,  they 


164  COMPILATION 

should  act  together  in  love.  This  is  the  desire  of  God.  Be  the  cause  of 
love  and  unity  among  mankind!  O,  the  sadness!  Men  act  contrary  to 
the  law  of  God.  They  put  all  their  energy  into  those  things  that  degrade 
them  and  make  them  unworthy,  they  disgrace  the  high  calling  given  to 
them  by  the  divine  dispensation. 

You  who  are  of  a  different  assembly,  you  who  have  a  different  aim, 
a  different  spirit,  turn  towards  God  and  ask  for  the  well-being  of  mankind, 
ask  for  peace,  desire  love  and  friendship,  have  above  all  a  supreme  desire 
for  unity,  pray  that  wars  may  disappear  and  that  peace  may  reign  through- 
out the  world.  Instead  of  hatred,  pray  that  there  may  be  love;  instead  of 
division,  pray  that  there  may  be  union.  This  is  difficult  to  bring  to  pass. 
There  lie  before  you  tremendous  obstacles,  but  you  must  not  turn  back; 
let  no  hardships  dishearten  you.  Be  loyal  to  the  most  noble  aim.  To 
achieve  this  great  design  of  unity  you  will  have  to  resist  the  whole  world, 
for  the  whole  world  thinks  of  war.  They  dream  of  naught  else  but  con- 
quests, and  robbing  the  neighbors.  Your  work  is  indeed  hard  If  you 
work  well,  if  you  put  forth  all  your  efforts,  if  you  turn  in  humility  to  God 
and  ask  for  the  creation  of  instruments  of  love,  you  will  receive  help  and 
strength. 

Pray  for  God's  help  to  attain  this  and  the  standard  of  unity  will  be 
raised.  You  must  be  ready  to  submit  and  bear  all  manner  of  hardships; 
you  will  arrive  at  the  point  perhaps  at  which  you  will  have  to  sacrifice 
all  you  possess  and  perhaps  your  lives.  So  noble  a  desire  will  enable  you 
to  bear  aU  these  hardships,  these  tests.  You  will  be  uplifted  by  the  noble 
aim:  of  the  light  and  repose,  the  peace  and  tranquility  of  all  men,  the 
appearance  of  the  divine  bounty  and  the  splendor  of  the  people  of  Grod. 

My  hope  is  that  you  will  never  be  unable  to  meet  these  difficulties, 
that  you  will  never  be  unworthy  of  bearing  these  hardships  and  that  each 
day  you  will  grow  stronger  and  work  with  more  effect,  so  that  thanks  to 
the  divine  dispensation  you  will  become  superior  to  all  mankind. 

Abdul  Baha.     From  Lady  B's  Notes,  Paris,   1911. 

*  *  *  Thank  thou  God  that  He  revived  thee  by  the  spirit  of  life  and 
awakened  thee  by  the  life-giving  breeze  which  is  emanating  for  the  people 
of  the  world. 

I  ask  God  to  make  thee  a  lamp  shining  and  illuminating  in  the  assem- 
blies of  knowledge,  that  thou  shine  forth  by  the  lights  of  love  and  peace 
among  the  maid-servants  of  God,  the  merciful. 

O  maid-servant  of  God !  Be  a  caller  to  universal  peace,  a  standard  of 
love  among  the  people,  a  spreader  of  the  spirit  of  concord  and  union  among 
nations  and  sects,  an  utterer  of  exhortations,  a  demonstrator  of  the  proofs 
of  the  appearance  of  the  Kingdom  of  God,  by  a  power  whereby  the  hearts 
of  the  chosen  ones  become  attracted,  confirmed  by  a  might  whereunto 
the  necks  of  the  proud  men  bow  and  those  of  the  great  people  are  humbled. 

Take  hold  of  the  hem  of  the  garment  ot  God  and  preach  the  Kingdom 
of  God  and  baptize  the  spirits  by  the  fragrances  of  God  which  have  per- 
fumed the  horizons.  *  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  518. 

*  *  *  Therefore,  O  ye  servants  of  God  and  the  maid-servants  of  the 
merciful  One  do  ye  not  rest  for  one  moment  I    Do  ye  not  seek  any  com- 


ABDUL  BAHA  165 

posure!  Do  ye  not  wish  for  any  rest  and  ease!  Endeavor  and  make  ye 
an  eflFort  with  all  your  heart  and  soul  to  spread  the  fragrances  of 
paradise  and  to  raise  the  eternal  melody  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha;  to 
estabhsh  the  gathering  of  fellowship,  to  become  assisted  with  the  con- 
firmations of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  clothe  the  temple  of  existence  with  a 
new  garment;  to  bestow  eternal  life  upon  the  reality  of  souls  and  become 
a  cause  of  the  civilization  of  the  human  world;  to  characterize  the  blood- 
thirsty animals  with  the  heavenly  attributes  and  divine  commemorations 
and  to  pacify  the  world  with  peace  and  salvation;  to  adorn  man  with  the 
favors  of  His  Highness  the  merciful  One;  that  perchance  ignorance,  ani- 
mosity and  strangeness  may  be  removed  entirely  from  among  the  denizens 
of  the  world,  and  the  banner  of  reconciliation,  freedom,  nobleness  and 
oneness  be  hoisted;  for  the  chains  of  existence  contain  countless  links,  each 
connected  with  the  other.  This  connection  is  the  cause  of  the  appearance 
of  the  invisible  powers  in  the  world  of  the  visible. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  532. 

The  first  among  these  exhortations  is  that  ye  must  all  be  in  the  utmost 
of  love  and  affection  with  all  mankind.  You  must  not  exalt  yourselves 
above  others.  *  *  *  You  must  love  all  from  the  utmost  depth  of  your 
hearts;  you  must  prefer  all  the  religions;  you  must  love  all  the  races  and 
you  must  be  kind  towards  the  people  of  all  nationalities.  You  should 
by  no  manner  of  means  prefer  yourselves  before  others.  You  must  by 
no  means  speak  humiliatingly  of  any  other  nationality;  you  must  praise 
all.  No  soul  amongst  you  must  pollute  his  tongue  by  speaking  evil  of 
any  other.  Each  amongst  you  must  praise  the  other.  You  must  even 
praise  each  nation.  You  must  praise  all  the  individuals  amongst  man- 
kind. You  must  even  recognize  as  friends  your  enemies;  you  must  con- 
sider your  evil-wishers  as  your  well-wishers.  You  must  not  see  evil  as  evil 
and  then  compromise,  for  to  so  compromise  with  the  one  upon  whom  you 
look  as  an  enemy,  is  hypocrisy,  and  this  is  not  allowable.  For  one  to  treat 
one's  enemy  in  a  smooth  way,  this  is  hypocrisy.  You  must  consider  your 
enemies  as  your  friends  and  your  evil-wishers  as  your  well-wishers  and 
then  treat  them  accordingly.  You  must  act  in  such  a  way  that  your  hearts 
may  be  free  from  hatred  of  anyone.  *  *  *    Abdul  Baha.   Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  7. 

*  *  *  Take  the  cup  of  the  love  of  God  in  thy  right  hand  and  with  thy 
left  hand  hoist  the  banner  of  universal  peace,  love  and  affection  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth.  Call  out  saying:  Hasten!  Hasten  unto  the  great 
bounty!  Press!  Press  forward  unto  the  abundant  mercy!  Speed!  Speed 
unto  the  manifest  light!  Be  urgent!  Be  urgent  for  the  great  attainment! 
Verily,  by  God  the  truth,  the  doors  of  the  Kingdom  are  opened,  the  lights  of 
God  have  shone  forth  and  illumined  the  horizon  of  the  earth!  The  Lord 
of  Hosts  has  descended  with  the  army  of  lights  and  angels  of  heaven  and 
depressed  the  armies  of  darkness.  He  sent  His  angels  to  all  directions 
with  a  call  of  the  trumpet  of  realities  and  meanings,  instructions  and 
teachings.  Therefore.  O  people  of  the  earth,  appreciate  the  opportunity 
in  this  new  centurv,  wherein  the  lights  have  been  revealed  by  the  glorious 
Lord.  '  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  288. 


166  COMPILATION 

The  heavenly  doors  opened,  the  hosts  of  realities  and  significances 
rushed  forth,  the  Lord  of  Hosts  established  a  heavenly  throne  and  spread 
the  armies  of  peace  and  reconciliation  in  all  parts  of  the  world  in  order 
that  the  reign  of  peace  and  love  may  be  founded.  Now  that  army  is 
engaged  in  (diflFusing)  virtues  throughout  all  regions. 

As  to  thee:  Be  thou  of  God,  that  thou  mayest  become  a  leader  of  peace 
and  reconciliation,  hoist  the  banner  of  love  and  quicken  the  souls  through 
the  confirmations  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  674. 

O  ye  heavenly  ones! 

Organize  ye  spiritual  assemblies.  Lay  ye  the  foundation  of  union  and 
concord  in  this  world.  Destroy  ye  the  fabric  of  strife  and  war  from  the 
face  of  the  earth.  Construct  ye  the  temple  of  oneness,  harmony  and 
agreement.  Enkindle  ye  the  light  of  the  realm  of  oneness  of  humanity. 
Open  ye  your  eyes.  Gaze  and  behold  ye  the  other  world.  The  kingdom 
of  peace,  salvation,  uprightness  and  reconciliation  is  founded  in  the  in- 
visible world,  and  it  will  by  degrees  become  manifest  and  apparent  through 
the  power  of  the  Word  of  God.  I  supplicate  God  that  ye  may  become 
the  army  of  that  Kingdom,  in  order  that,  by  the  power  of  the  Most  Great 
Name,  the  friends  of  God  may  conquer  the  world  through  love,  friendship 
and  the  strength  of  the  kingdom  of  peace;  the  human  race  may  become 
compassionate,  and  bloodshed  and  carnage  be  completely  effaced  from  the 
universe.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  129  (1903). 

Today  in  Persia  there  are  assemblages  held  wherein  souls  who  have 
listened  to  the  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  representing  Mohammedans, 
Christians,  Jews,  Zoroastrians,  Buddhists  and  the  various  denominations 
ot  each,  live  together  with  perfect  accord  and  absolute  agreement.  There 
is  extraordinary  brotherhood  amongst  them,  and  all  of  them  are  a  united 
force  for  international  peace.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  193. 

O  ye  spiritual  friends  of  Abdul  Baha ! 

The  faithful  messenger  arrived  and  in  the  spiritual  world  conveyed 
the  message  of  the  believers  of  God.  This  blessed,  happy-starred  mes- 
senger is  no  other  than  the  fragrance  of  attraction  and  the  soul-refreshing 
breeze  of  the  love  of  God.  It  stirs  the  hearts  into  cheerfulness  and  makes 
the  spirits  the  treasures  of  joy  and  gladness.  The  effulgence  of  divine 
unity  hath  cast  such  a  splendor  over  the  hearts  and  spirits  and  hath 
created  such  a  bond  of  spiritual  communication  between  all  as  to  make 
them  throb  as  one  heart  and  beat  as  one  pulse.  Therefore,  one  observes 
that  the  spiritual  reflections  and  the  merciful  impressions  are  printed  upon 
the  tablets  of  the  hearts  in  the  utmost  of  beauty  and  art  and  their  delicate 
forms  are  transparent  and  graceful.  I  beg  of  God  that  day  unto  day  this 
spiritual  communication  may  become  reinforced  and  cause  more  and  more 
the  appearance  of  this  divine  unity  in  the  world  of  humanity,  so  that  all 
mankind,  like  unto  disciplined  soldiers,  may  abide  under  the  shade  of  the 
Word  of  God  and  under  the  flag  of  the  Covenant,  striving  with  all  their 
hearts  and  souls  in  order  that  universal  conciliation,  cordial  love  and 


ABDUL  BAHA  167 

spiritual  communication  may  be  firmly  established  between  the  hearts 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  world;  all  the  children  of  men,  through  the  radiant 
new  bestowal,  may  consort  and  associate  with  each  other  in  one  loving 
meeting;  strife  and  war  may  vanish  from  the  face  of  the  earth;  the  love 
of  the  beauty  of  the  Most  Glorious  may  encompass  every  atom  of  creation; 
enmity  may  be  changed  into  amity;  difference  may  be  changed  into  good- 
fellowship;  the  foundation  of  animosity  be  destroyed;  the  basis  of  hatred 
be  demolished;  the  illumination  of  union  may  cause  the  disappearance  of 
the  darkness  of  limitation,  and  the  transcendent  light  of  the  Merciful 
may  sujffer  the  hearts  of  humanity  to  become  the  mines  of  the  refulgent 
love  of  God. 

O  ye  friends  of  God !  Now  is  the  time  that  you  must  affiliate  with  all 
the  nations  with  joy  and  the  utmost  kindness;  thus  may  you  become  the 
manifestors  of  the  mercy  of  His  Highness  the  One.  Become  ye  the  spirit 
of  the  world  and  the  quintessence  of  life  in  the  temple  of  humanity.  In 
this  wonderful  century  in  which  the  Ancient  Beauty  —  The  Most  Great 
Name  —  has  dawned  from  the  horizon  of  the  world  with  infinite  bestowals, 
the  Word  of  God  hath  created  such  dominion  and  potency  over  the  realities 
of  mankind  that  the  efiPect  and  influence  of  human  conditions  and  environ- 
ments are  neutralized.  With  a  penetrative  power  He  hath  gathered  all  in 
the  court  of  union  and  addresses  them  as  follows: 

Now  is  the  time  that  the  believers  of  God  must  imfurl  the  banner  of 
unity,  singing  the  songs  of  friendship  in  the  assemblages  of  the  world  and 
inviting  all  to  the  universality  and  all-inclusiveness  of  the  grace  of  God, 
so  that  the  canopy  of  holiness  may  be  pitched  in  the  apex  of  creation 
and  all  the  nations  be  brought  under  the  shade  of  the  world  of  unity. 
This  bounty  shall  become  unveiled  in  the  center  of  the  world  when  the 
believers  of  God  shall  live  in  accord  with  the  teachings  of  the  Merciful 
One  and  occupy  their  time  in  the  diffusion  of  the  sweet  fragrance  of  uni- 
versal love. 

In  every  dispensation  the  command  of  friendship  and  the  law  of  love 
have  been  revealed,  but  it  has  been  circumscribed  within  the  circle  of  the 
believing  friends  and  not  with  the  contrary  enemies.  Praise  be  to  God, 
that  in  this  wonderful  cycle  the  laws  of  God  are  not  confiped  within  any 
limitations,  neither  must  they  be  exercised  toward  a  special  community 
to  the  exclusion  of  another.  He  hath  commanded  all  the  friends  to  show 
love,  friendship,  amity  and  kindness  to  all  the  people  of  the  world. 

Now  the  believers  of  God  must  live  in  accord  with  these  divine  teach- 
ings. They  must  become  kind  fathers  to  the  children  of  humanity, 
affectionate  brothers  to  the  youths  of  mankind  and  soul-sacrificing  chil- 
dren toward  those  laden  with  age.  The  aim  is  this:  you  must  be  in  the 
utmost  state  of  joy  and  fragrance,  love  and  kindness  toward  all,  even 
toward  the  enemies.  Meet  the  persecutions  and  adversity  with  the 
utmost  of  faithfulness.  Whenever  animosity  appears  deal  with  it  with 
forbearance.  Make  your  breasts  the  targets  for  the  arrows  and  spears 
of  opposition.  Brave  the  ridicule,  the  blame  and  the  rebuke  with  perfect 
love;  so  that  all  the  nations  may  observe  the  power  of  the  Most  Great 
Name,  and  all  the  people  may  acknowledge  the  potency  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection,  showing  how  He  hath  destroyed  the  foundation  of  strangeness. 


168  COMPILATION 

hath  guided  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  to  unity  and  love,  hath  illumined 
the  realm  of  man  and  hath  transformed  this  terrestrial  globe  into  the  de- 
lectable paradise. 

These  people  are  like  unto  children,  negligent  and  mindless.  One 
must  train  these  children  with  the  utmost  love,  carry  them  in  the  arms  of 
grace  with  infinite  tenderness,  in  order  that  they  may  taste  the  spiritual, 
the  love  of  the  Merciful  One,  that  they  may  be  illumined  like  unto  the 
candles  and  cause  the  disappearance  of  the  darkness  of  the  world.  Thus 
they  may  behold  clearly  and  manifestly  with  what  glorious  crown  and 
brilliant  diadem  the  Most  Great  Name,  the  Blessed  Perfection, —  may  my 
life  be  a  sacrifice  to  Him!  —  hath  adorned  the  heads  of  His  believers; 
what  graces  He  hath  poured  upon  the  hearts  of  His  friends;  what  love  He 
hath  brought  into  the  world  of  humanity  and  what  friendship  He  hath 
caused  to  appear  amongst  the  children  of  men. 

O  Lord!  O  Lord!  Confirm  thy  righteous  servants  in  the  practice  of 
love  and  friendship  amongst  all  mankind  and  assist  them  in  the  diffusion 
of  the  light  of  guidance,  which  is  descending  from  Thy  Supreme  Con- 
course amongst  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world.  Verily,  Thou  art  the 
Powerful,  Omnipotent,  Generous!  And  verily.  Thou  art  the  Merciful, 
the  Clement,  the  Compassionate,  and  the  Bestower ! 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  revealed  for  the  Friends  of  Azarbeyjan.     Extract 

from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  26,  1913. 

In  this  day  *  *  *  faith  does  not  consist  in  belief  and  acceptance,  it 
consists  in  deeds.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  believe  in  Baha'o'llah  and  to  say: 
"I  am  of  the  people  of  El-Abha."  We  must  act  in  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  Baha'o'llah,  who  commands  us  to  become  centers  of  divine 
attraction,  so  that  the  attributes  of  God  may  emanate  from  us;  that  we 
may  become  wise  and  well-intentioned  to  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth,  in 
order  to  better  the  condition  of  all. 

We  must  look  upon  our  enemies  with  a  sin-covering  eye  and  not  with 
justice  when  confronted  with  any  injustice  whatever;  forgive  all,  consider 
the  whole  of  humanity  as  our  own  family;  the  whole  earth  as  our  own 
country;  be  sympathetic  with  all  sufferings;  nurse  the  sick,  offer  a  shelter 
to  the  exiled,  help  the  poor  and  those  in  need;  dress  all  wounds  and  share 
the  happiness  of  each  one.  Be  compassionate  to  all,  so  that  your  actions 
will  shine  like  unto  the  light  streaming  forth  from  the  lamp.  If  the  whole 
world  should  arise  to  deny  this  Cause  we  must  not  fight.  Our  only  role 
is  to  spread  the  teachings.  If  it  be  accepted,  all  is  well;  if  not  leave  them 
to  God. 

If  we  see  a  man  acting  after  this  manner  we  can  say,  "He  is  a  Bahai"; 
if  such  deeds  do  not  appear  in  him,  he  is  a  Bahai  in  name  only.  We  cannot 
conceive  a  star  without  light,  a  tree  without  fruit.  If  we  claim  to  be 
followers  of  light,  we  must  diffuse  the  light  through  our  actions.  The 
name  will  not  be  sufficient. 

There  are  five  hundred  million  people  who  call  themselves  Christians. 
If  you  compare  their  deeds  with  the  texts  of  the  Gospels  you  will  find  no 
likeness  thereto.  The  real  Christians  are  rare.  The  Christ  exhorted 
men  to  be  kind.     The  Christians  are  fighting  and  killing  one  another. 


ABDUL  BAHA  169 

leading  their  young  men  into  war,  shedding  blood,  destroying  dwellings, 
causing  mothers  to  lose  their  sons,  and  children  their  fathers.  What  has 
all  this  to  do  with  the  teaching  of  Christ?  Is  a  man  who  sheds  blood  a 
Christian?  Think  how  cruelly  Christ  suffered  in  order  to  teach  kindness! 
"O  Father  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do!"  Thus  He 
pardoned  His  murderers.     How  merciful  He  was! 

The  learned  men  of  all  time  have  also  been  persecuted  and  continually 
in  adversity.  He  who  discovered  the  movement  of  the  earth  and  the 
relative  immobility  of  the  sim,  terminated  his  days  in  prison,  because  his 
teachings  did  not  please  the  priests. 

The  Bahai  must  see  that  his  words  and  deeds  reflect  the  glory  of  God. 

I  hope  that  you  will  be  real  Bahais;  that  the  light  of  the  glory  of  God 
may  shine  forth  from  each  one  of  you,  for  this  is  the  decisive  proof.  For 
this  Baha'o'Uah  suffered;  that  He  might  educate  men  to  become  the  edu- 
cators of  the  world  and  spread  truth  abroad. 

May  ye  attain  to  this  station.     Upon  ye  be  greetings  and  praise! 

Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  27. 

*  *  *  I  in  the  East  and  you  in  the  West,  let  us  try  with  heart  and  soul 
that  unity  may  dwell  in  the  world;  that  all  the  people  may  become  one 
people  and  that  the  whole  surface  of  the  earth  may  be  like  one  country, 
for  the  Sun  of  Truth  shines  on  all  alike. 

All  the  prophets  of  God  came  for  love  of  this  one  great  aim. 

Look  how  Abraham  strove  to  bring  faith  and  love  among  the  people; 
how  Moses  tried  to  unite  the  people  by  sound  laws;  how  the  Lord  Christ 
suffered  unto  death  to  bring  the  light  of  love  and  truth  into  a  darkened 
world;  how  Mohammed  sought  to  bring  unity  and  peace  between  the 
various  uncivilized  tribes  among  whom  He  dwelt.  And  last  of  all  Baha- 
*o'llah  suffered  forty  years  for  the  same  cause  —  the  single  noble  purpose 
of  spreading  love  among  the  children  of  man.  And  for  the  peace  and 
unity  of  the  world  the  Bab  gave  up  His  life. 

Thus  strive  to  follow  the  example  of  these  divine  beings,  drink  from 
their  fountain,  be  illumined  by  their  light,  and  to  the  world  be  as  symbols 
of  the  mercy  and  love  of  God.  Be  unto  the  world  as  rain  and  clouds  of 
mercy,  as  suns  of  truth ;  be  a  celestial  army  and  you  shall  conquer  the  city 
of  hearts. 

Be  thankful  unto  God  that  Baha'o'Uah  has  given  us  a  firm  and  solid 
foundation.  He  left  no  place  for  sadness  in  hearts,  and  the  writings  of 
His  sacred  pen  contain  consolation  for  the  whole  world.  He  had  the 
words  of  truth  and  anything  that  is  contrary  to  His  teaching  is  false.  The 
chief  aim  of  all  His  work  was  to  do  away  with  division. 

The  Testament  of  Baha'o'llah  is  a  rain  of  goodness,  a  Sun  of  Truth, 
water  of  life,  the  Holy  Spirit.  Thus,  open  your  hearts  to  receive  the  full 
power  of  His  beauty,  and  I  will  pray  for  you  all  that  this  joy  may  be 
yours.  *  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  p.  159. 

O  ye  children  of  the  Kingdom! 

It  is  New  Year;  that  is  to  say,  the  rounding  of  the  cycle  of  the  year. 
A  year  is  the  expression  of  a  cycle  of  the  sun;   but  now  is  the  beginning 


170  COMPILATION 

of  a  cycle  of  reality,  a  new  cycle,  a  new  age,  a  new  century,  a  new  time 
and  a  new  year.     Therefore,  it  is  very  blessed. 

I  wish  this  blessing  to  appear  and  become  manifest  in  the  faces  and 
characteristics  of  the  believers,  so  that  they,  too,  may  become  a  new  people 
and  having  found  new  life  and  been  baptized  with  fire  and  spirit,  may 
make  the  world  a  new  world,  to  the  end  that  the  old  earth  may  disappear 
and  the  new  earth  appear;  old  ideas  depart  and  new  thoughts  come;  old 
garments  be  cast  aside  and  new  garments  put  on;  ancient  politics  whose 
foundation  is  war  be  discarded  and  modern  politics  founded  on  peace 
raise  the  standards  of  victory;  the  new  star  shine  and  gleam  and  the  new 
sun  illumine  and  radiate;  new  flowers  bloom;  the  new  bounty  descend; 
the  new  tree  give  forth  new  fruit;  the  new  voice  become  raised  and  this 
new  sound  reach  the  ears,  that  the  new  will  follow  the  new,  and  all  the 
old  furnishings  and  adornments  be  cast  aside  and  new  decorations  put  in 
their  places. 

I  desire  for  you  that  you  will  have  this  great  assistance  and  partake 
of  this  great  bounty,  and  that  in  spirit  and  heart  you  will  strive  and  en- 
deavor until  the  world  of  war  become  the  world  of  peace;  the  world  of 
darkness  the  world  of  light;  satanic  conduct  be  turned  into  heavenly  be- 
havior; the  ruined  places  become  built  up;  the  sword  be  turned  into  the 
olive  branch;  the  flash  of  hatred  become  the  flame  of  the  love  of  God  and 
the  noise  of  the  gun  the  voice  of  the  Kingdom;  the  soldiers  of  death  the 
soldiers  of  life.  All  the  nations  of  the  world  one  nation;  all  races  as  one 
race;  all  national  anthems  harmonized  into  one  melody. 

Then  this  material  realm  will  be  paradise,  the  earth  heaven  and  the 
world  of  satan  become  the  world  of  angels. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  266,  1906. 

Work  for  the  day  of  universal  peace.  Strive  always  that  you  may  be 
united.     Kindness  and  love  in  the  path  of  service  must  be  your  means. 

I  bid  a  loving  farewell  to  the  people  of  France  and  England.  I  am  very 
much  pleased  with  them.  I  counsel  them  that  they  may  day  by  day 
strengthen  the  bond  of  love  and  amity  to  this  end;  that  they  may  become 
the  sympathetic  embodiment  of  one  nation;  that  they  may  extend  them- 
selves to  a  universal  brotherhood  to  guard  and  protect  the  interests  and 
rights  of  all  the  nations  of  the  East;  that  they  may  unfurl  the  divine 
banner  of  justice;  that  they  may  treat  each  nation  as  a  family  composed 
of  the  individual  children  of  God  and  may  know  that  before  the  sight  of 
God  the  rights  of  all  are  equal.  For  all  of  us  are  the  children  of  one  Father. 
God  is  at  peace  with  all  His  children,  why  should  they  engage  in  strife  and 
warfare  among  themselves?  God  is  showering  down  kindness,  why 
should  the  inhabitants  of  this  world  exchange  unkindness  and  cruelty? 

I  will  pray  for  you  that  you  may  be  illumined  with  the  light  of  the 
eternal.  Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  p.  128. 

*  *  *  I  beseech  you,  one  and  all,  to  add  your  prayers  to  mine  to  the 
end  that  war  and  bloodshed  may  cease,  and  that  love,  friendship,  peace 
and  unity  may  reign  in  the  world. 


ABDUL  BAHA  171 

All  down  the  ages  we  see  how  blood  has  stained  the  surface  of  the  earth; 
but  now  a  ray  of  greater  light  has  come,  man's  intelligence  is  greater, 
spirituality  is  beginning  to  grow,  and  a  time  is  surely  coming  when  the 
religions  of  the  world  will  be  at  peace.  Let  us  leave  the  discordant  argu- 
ments concerning  outward  forms  and  let  us  join  together  to  hasten  forward 
the  divine  cause  of  unity  until  all  humanity  knows  itself  to  be  one  family, 
joined  together  in  love.  Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  pp.  113-114. 

We  summon  the  people  to  severence  and  enkindlement.  We  call  their 
attention  to  spirituality.  We  have  nothing  to  do  with  political  tricks  and 
chicaneries.  All  the  nations  and  governments  of  the  world  are  harboring 
these  thoughts,  are  flying  in  this  devitalizing  atmosphere.  But  God  has 
given  us  wnngs  whereby  we  may  soar  toward  the  immensity  of  space 
wherein  we  find  the  radiant  worlds  of  abstraction,  beatitude  and  certainty. 
Know  this !     I  give  you  the  following  as  a  disinterested  advise. 

In  the  world  of  humanity  nothing  is  as  important  as  the  universal 
principles.  They  are  imperishable.  Do  give  your  attention  to  their 
propagation,  and  never  fail  in  your  enthusiasm.  All  the  limited  problems 
once  solved  have  limited  results,  but  the  lights  of  the  guidance  of  God  are 
ever  shining.  In  this  manner  man  attains  to  eternal  happiness  and  will 
enjoy  perpetual  spiritual  health.  For  the  happiness  of  man  is  through  the 
spiritual  susceptibilities;  the  happiness  of  man  is  through  evanescence 
and  complete  self-abnegation;  the  happiness  of  man  is  to  renounce  every- 
thing in  the  path  of  the  Blessed  Perfection;  the  happiness  of  man  is  through 
divine  bestowals;  the  happiness  of  man  is  the  conception  of  the  Kingdom. 
The  misery  of  man  consists  in  the  absence  of  these. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Oct.  23, 1913. 

We  must  be  engaged  in  the  promulgation  of  His  teachings.  We  must 
not  rest  neither  by  day  or  by  night,  and  seek  neither  rest  nor  composure. 
We  must  exert  ourselves  to  convey  the  message,  to  deliver  the  glad  tidings. 
We  must  not  relax  our  energies  or  flag  behind.  With  words  and  deeds, 
with  conviction  and  action,  we  must  summon  the  people  to  the  standard 
of  universal  peace,  brotherhood  of  man  and  the  solidarity  of  humankind. 
Ours  shall  be  the  final  victory  if  we  persevere.  The  world  is  sick,  these 
divine  teachings  are  the  remedies  and  you  are  the  physicians.  Be  ye, 
therefore,  skillful  physicians  and  heal  this  sick  body.  This  is  the  most 
great  bounty !  This  is  the  highest  aspiration !  We  hope  that  we  will  be- 
come all  confirmed  therein. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Dec.  29,  1913. 

Praise  be  to  God  that  you  have  no  other  aim  save  the  unity  of  man- 
kind, entertain  no  other  hope  except  the  guidance  of  all  the  people,  and 
harbor  no  other  wish  save  the  good-pleasure  of  the  Lord.  I  hope  that  you 
may  become  illumined  so  as  to  enlighten  all  the  regions;  that  each  one  of 
you  may  become  a  bright  candle,  the  sign  of  the  love  of  God,  the  means  of 
communication  between  the  hearts  of  all  humanity;  be  confirmed  in  the 
bringing  about  of  the  confederation  of  all  the  religions,  so  that  this  dark 
world  may  become  luminous,  the  foundation  of  warfare  and  battle  be 


172  COMPILATION 

utterly  destroyed,  the  standard  of  universal  peace  be  upraised  in  the 
center  of  the  world,  and  the  feast  of  love  be  spread  among  the  children  of 
men. 

With  the  utmost  humility  and  meekness  I  supplicate  and  implore  in 
your  behalf  toward  the  Kingdom  of  Abha,  and  beg  confirmation  for  you,  so 
that  the  City  of  New  York  may  become  the  center  of  the  most  great 
guidance  and  the  lights  may  be  scattered  to  all  parts  of  the  world  from  the 
hearts  of  the  believers. 

Abdul  Baha,     Extracts  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Jan.  16,  1914. 

Today  the  heavenly  powers  and  the  merciful  cohorts  are  the  defenders 
and  supporters  of  those  souls  who  are  occupied  with  teaching  the  Cause  of 
God  and  are  firm  in  the  Covenant.  Therefore,  it  is  my  hope  that  you, 
who  are  firm  in  the  Covenant,  may  become  encircled  with  a  new  confirma- 
tion and  a  most  great  assistance  may  envelop  you,  and  with  the  utmost 
strength  you  may  arise  in  the  guidance  of  the  people,  so  that  the  sj^lendors 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha  may  shine  upon  the  continents,  the  flag  of  the 
oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  be  unfurled,  the  songs  of  universal  peace 
may  stir  the  hearts  into  cheerfulness;  that  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
may  enter  beneath  this  uni-colored  tent,  mankind  may  receive  a  share 
and  a  portion  from  eternal  life,  and  each  one  of  those  holy  souls  become 
like  unto  a  fruitful  tree  and  be  ignited  like  unto  the  candle  of  guidance 
in  the  assemblage  of  mankind. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Jan.  15,  1914. 

Perchance  God  will  enable  you  to  suffer  the  people  to  hear  the  divine 
song  and  the  heavenly  music.  The  church -bell  music  is  the  result  of 
metallic  elements,  but  the  notes  which  emanate  from  the  throat  of  a  living 
temple  of  holiness  stir  the  hearts  and  the  souls. 

Truly  I  say,  I  am  well  satisfied  with  both  of  you,  for  you  have  conse- 
crated your  lives  to  the  Cause  of  God;  you  have  no  other  aim  save  calling 
the  people  to  the  Kingdom  of  God;  your  hearts  are  empty;  they  are  not 
preoccupied  nor  engaged  with  other  material  affairs.  Praise  be  to  God 
that  your  minds  are  sanctified  and  holy.  I  am  sure  you  will  be  confirmed 
and  assisted  in  all  things. 

There  are  many  heralds  in  this  world.  Here  is  a  herald  who  summons 
the  people  to  the  love  and  defense  of  their  country,  calling  at  the  top  of 
his  voice:  "O  my  country;  O  my  beloved  country!"  There  is  a  herald 
who  blows  the  bugle  of  new  nationalism.  Here  is  another  herald  who  calls 
the  people  to  politics,  in  order  that  he  may  wield  great  power  of  state. 
There  is  another  person  who  is  a  herald  of  literature  and  science.  Here 
you  find  a  soul  who  is  the  herald  of  commercial  interests  and  its  expansion ; 
and  there  is  still  another  herald  who  sounds  the  trumpet  of  war  and  mili- 
tarism, but  praise  be  to  God,  that  you  are  the  heralds  of  the  Kingdom  of 
God.  All  these  contending  voices  which  are  raised  in  the  world  today  will 
ere  long  be  silenced  and  hushed,  but  the  call  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  will 
gain  volume  and  impetus  day  by  day.  The  popularity  of  these  worldly 
heralds  may  last  for  a  year  or  two,  but  the  fame  of  the  souls  who  are  the 
heralds  of  the  Kingdom  is  eternal,  for  they  are  sounding  the  trumpet  of 


ABDUL  BAHA  173 

celestial,  universal  peace.  Their  voices  will  ring  throughout  future  cen- 
turies and  will  be  immortal  and  age-abiding.  Thank  ye  God  that  ye 
are  the  heralds  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha,  the  heralds  of  the  Covenant  of 
the  Almighty.  All  other  voices  will  be  repressed,  but  this  harmonic  song 
of  the  Kingdom  of  peace  and  truth  is  eternal  and  everlasting. 

Now  I  desire  to  send  you  back  to  the  United  States,  I  supplicate 
and  beseech  at  the  threshold  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha  that  you  may  go 
forth  with  a  heavenly  power,  with  radiant  hearts,  with  celestial  souls,  and 
with  breaths  imbued  with  the  fragrances  of  the  Holy  Spirit!  May  you 
be  confirmed  and  assisted,  and  may  you  raise  such  a  melody,  and  sing 
such  a  song  as  to  stir  and  move  the  hearts  of  the  American  people.  I 
anticipate  to  receive  glad  news  from  you. 

Abdul  Baha.     "Through  Warring  Countries,"   p.   90. 

Prayer 

O  thou  kind  God!  In  the  utmost  state  of  humility  and  submission 
do  we  entreat  and  supplicate  at  Thy  threshold,  seeking  Thine  endless  con- 
firmations and  illimitable  assistance. 

O  Thou  Lord!  Regenerate  these  souls  and  confer  upon  them  a  new 
life.  Animate  the  spirits,  inform  the  hearts,  open  the  eyes  and  make  the 
ears  attentive.  From  Thine  ancient  treasury  confer  a  new  being  and 
animus  and  from  Thy  pre-existent  abode  assist  them  to  attain  to  new 
confirmations. 

O  God!  Verily,  the  world  is  in  need  of  reformation.  Bestow  upon  it  a 
new  existence.  Give  it  newness  of  thought  and  reveal  unto  it  heavenly 
sciences.  Breathe  into  it  a  fresh  spirit  and  grant  unto  it  a  holier  and  higher 
purpose. 

O  God!  Verily,  Thou  hast  made  this  century  radiant  and  in  it  Thou 
hast  manifested  Thy  merciful  eflFulgence.  Thou  hast  effaced  the  darkness 
of  superstitions  and  permitted  the  light  of  assurance  to  shine. 

O  God !  Grant  that  these  servants  may  be  acceptable  at  Thy  threshold. 
Reveal  a  new  heaven  and  spread  out  a  new  earth  for  habitation.  Let  a 
new  Jerusalem  descend  from  on  high.  Bestow  new  thoughts,  new  life 
upon  mankind.  Endow  souls  with  new  perceptions  and  confer  upon  them 
new  virtues.  Verily,  Thou  art  the  almighty,  the  powerful!  Thou  are  the 
giver,  the  generous!  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  117. 


BAHAI  AIMS  AND  WORK 

"What  is  the  Bahai  Faith"  ? 

Trust  in  God.  Be  kind  to  thy  fellowmen.  Fill  the  world  with  the 
spirit  of  love.  The  spirit  of  faith  in  a  Bahai  is  very  strong.  His  trust  is 
in  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

The  objective  aims  of  this  Cause  are:  The  oneness  of  the  world  of 
humanity;  universal  peace;  universal  love;  international  cooperation, 
reciprocity;  the  promotion  of  the  principles  of  human  consanguinity  and 
solidarity  and  the  establishment  of  the  Kingdom  of  God,  first  in  the  hearts 
of  men  and  then  upon  earth.  These  are  the  noble  objective  aims.  Are 
you  not  in  sympathy  with  them.f*     Will  you  not,  also,  do  your  utmost  to 


174  COMPILATION 

hasten  that  day?     What  harm  is  there  in  this?     We  are  working  day  and 
night  for  the  reahzation  of  these  ideas  and  purposes. 

God  and  His  servants  are  also  pleased  with  these  souls  who  are  serving 
under  a  diflFerent  flag  and  in  a  different  camp,  to  actualize  these  principles  of 
humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  June  and  July,  1914. 

Certain  religious  teachers  think  only  of  their  creeds.  They  believe  in 
having  a  holy  war  to  conquer  the  world.  They  reason  thus:  "All  the 
other  religious  teachers  are  in  error,  and  I  am  obliged  to  chastise  them  for 
their  own  salvation." 

The  belief  of  the  Bahais  is  quite  different.  The  Bahai  believes  that 
one  must  affiliate  with  all  religions,  love  all  humanity  and  seek  ever  to 
better  its  condition. 

God  is  one,  the  true  shepherd  of  all  creation.  Let  us  be  kind  to  every 
one,  in  order  to  unify  the  world  and  spread  affection  everywhere. 

Let  us  be  ready  to  give  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  positions,  achievements, 
in  order  that  a  new  light  may  appear  and  be  diffused  throughout  the 
earth.  *  *  *  Abdul  Baha.     Divine  Philosophy,  p.  67. 

0  thou  faithful,  beloved  friend:  The  New  Year's  greeting  was  received. 
I  became  most  grateful  and  pleased  because  you  remembered  this  longing 
friend  and  forgot  not  our  friendship. 

Faithfulness  and  loyality  are  two  of  the  greatest  virtues  of  the  world  of 
humanity.  Should  a  person  be  imbued  with  these  two  qualities,  there  is 
no  doubt  that  he  will  become  the  center  of  divine  bestowal  and  the  dawning 
place  of  heavenly  outpourings. 

1  perused  your  noble  ideals,  the  application  of  which  will  insure  the 
happiness,  prosperity  and  the  ultimate  perfection  of  the  commonwealth 
of  man. 

I  hope  that  this  war  may  be  changed  into  peace,  this  revolution  be 
transformed  into  security  and  composure,  this  disturbance  be  ended  by 
public  reconciliation  and  serenity.  The  weeping  and  crying  of  the  orphan 
melts  the  hearts.  The  lamentation  and  moaning  of  the  widows  causes 
the  eyes  to  weep.  The  wailings  and  sorrows  of  the  afflicted  mothers  be- 
came the  source  of  the  appearance  of  the  reign  of  justice  and  equity,  and 
the  complaints  and  protests  of  the  fathers  whose  sons  are  killed  cause  the 
world  of  humanity  to  espouse  the  movement  of  peace  and  salvation. 

May  the  dark  clouds  of  war  and  bloodshed  be  dispersed,  the  rays  of  the 
Sun  of  Reality  shine  forth  upon  all  parts  of  the  globe  from  the  horizon  of 
harmony  and  concord,  the  splendor  of  guidance  irradiate,  the  hearts  be- 
come illumined,  the  souls  be  resuscitated  with  the  breath  of  eternal  life, 
the  heavenly  teachings,  which  are  promulgated  in  this  radiant  century, 
be  fully  established,  the  edifice  of  hatred  and  animosity  be  laid  waste,  the 
palace  of  good-fellowship  and  love  be  raised,  the  ships  of  war  be  changed 
into  a  fleet  of  merchant-marine,  the  weapons  of  war  be  transformed  into 
the  instruments  of  agriculture  and  farming,  the  fire  of  tyranny  and  op- 
pression become  extinct,  the  breeze  of  providence  be  wafted,  the  spring 
of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  pitch  its  tent  in  the  apex  of  the 


ABDUL  BAHA  175 

earth,  and  the  standards  of  universal  peace  be  unfurled.     These  are  the 
ultimate  wishes  of  the  Bahais.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  American  Clergyman. 

"What  is  the  objective  point  of  the  Bahais?" 

In  the  world  of  humanity  every  person  is  stimulated  by  a  certain 
objective  point.  The  objective  point  of  one  soul  is  the  acquirement  of 
wealth.  He  concentrates  all  his  ambition  around  the  actualization  of  this 
cherished  hope.  The  objective  point  of  another  soul  is  to  attain  the 
highest  official  position.  He  strives  day  and  night  to  gain  the  confidence 
of  the  public  and  the  administrative  authorities,  so  that  they  may  promote 
him,  through  his  merit,  to  the  position  of  honor  and  fame  among  his 
fellowmen.  The  objective  point  of  a  third  person  is  the  acquisition  of 
science  and  art.  He  spends  all  his  energy  and  force  in  this  direction. 
The  objective  point  of  a  fourth  soul  is  to  satisfy  his  selfish  appetites  and 
lust.  He  thinks  of  no  other  things  save  those  elements  which  might 
contribute  to  the  gratification  of  his  animal  propensities. 

But  the  objective  point  of  the  Bahais  is  to  promote  the  principles  of 
Baha'o'llah,  to  unfurl  the  flag  of  divine  brotherhood,  to  serve  the  cause  of 
universal  peace,  to  spiritualize  mankind  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  to  establish  the  Kingdom  of  justice,  love  and  mercy  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  of  the  world. 

This  is  the  objective  point  of  the  Bahais !  Dost  thou  think  it  is  worthy 
of  emulation.'*  In  comparison  to  this  all  the  other  objective  points  are 
trivial  and  unworthy  of  one's  devotion.  We  must  live  in  such  manner 
as  to  merit  the  attainment  of  this  most  great  bestowal !  This  is  our  glory ! 
This  is  our  comfort!  This  is  the  sublimity  of  our  effort!  This  is  our 
highest  desire! 

Supposing  that  we  might  become  the  real  kings  of  this  world,  and  all 
our  hopes  and  wishes  be  realized,  but  not  be  confirmed  in  the  spreading 
of  the  Cause  —  great  regret  would  be  facing  us.  And  though  we  might  be 
able  to  enjoy  the  rare  delicacies  of  wealth  and  the  refined  privileges  of 
education,  and  be  not  assisted  in  the  service  of  the  Holy  Threshold,  then 
manifest  loss  would  stare  into  our  eyes,  everlasting  remorse  would  encircle 
us,  spiritual  deprivation  would  be  our  share  and  harrowing  grief  would 
follow  us. 

But  if  we  arise  in  the  diffusion  of  the  fragrances  of  the  paradise  of 
Abha,  and  lack  all  the  means  of  material  comfort,  eternal  benediction  will 
be  vouchsafed,  heavenly  exaltation  will  be  granted  and  divine  beatitude 
will  be  bestowed.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,   p.  117. 

We  are  commanded  to  quicken  the  souls,  to  train  the  characters,  to 
illumine  the  realm  of  man,  to  guide  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth;  to 
create  concord  and  unity  among  all  men  and  to  lead  the  world  of  humanity 
to  the  fountain  of  the  everlasting  glory. 

The  reformation  of  one  empire  is  not  our  aim;  nay  rather,  we  invoke 
from  God  that  all  the  regions  of  the  world  be  reformed  and  cultivated;  the 
republic  of  men  become  the  manifestators  of  the  bounty  of  the  most 
glorious  Lord;  the  East  and  the  West  be  brought  nearer  together;  and 


176  COMPILATION 

that  Turk  and  Tajik,  Iran  and  America,  India  and  Arabia,  Japan  and 
Persia,  China  and  Germany;  in  brief,  all  the  nations  and  peoples  of  the 
world  become  as  one  soul  and  one  spirit,  in  order  that  strife  and  warfare 
be  entirely  removed  and  the  rancor  and  hostility  disappear;  so  that  all 
become  as  the  waves  of  one  ocean,  the  drops  of  one  sea,  the  flowers  of  one 
rose-garden,  the  trees  of  one  orchard,  the  grains  of  one  harvest  and  the 
plants  of  one  meadow.  Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  490. 

Question:    "What  are  your  objects.?" 

Answer:  My  objects  are  the  establishment  of  the  cause  of  inter- 
national arbitration,  the  promotion  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity, 
the  conformity  of  religion  with  science  and  reason,  the  elucidation  of  the 
essential  unity  of  the  divine  religions,  the  explanation  of  the  continuity 
of  the  prophetic  revelation,  the  instruction  of  mankind  in  the  knowledge 
of  human  brotherhood,  the  inculcation  of  the  primordial  oneness  of  all 
phenomena,  the  upraising  of  the  standard  of  the  solidarity  of  the  human 
race,  the  creation  of  a  nucleus  for  bringing  about  the  universal  race,  the 
spread  of  the  precepts  of  spiritual  civilization,  the  teaching  of  the  synthesis 
of  the  heavenly  philosophy,  the  readjustment  of  the  economic  relations 
between  the  capitalists  and  laborers,  so  that  each  individual  member  of 
the  world  of  humanity  may  enjoy  the  utmost  welfare  and  prosperity;  the 
organization  of  the  Arbitral  Court  of  Justice,  in  order  that  all  the  nations 
of  the  world  may  settle  before  that  court  their  international  disputes  and 
thus  remove  all  the  traces  of  enmity  and  hatred;  and  the  upholding  of 
the  principle  of  one  auxiliary,  universal  language.  This  is  my  duty. 
This  is  my  work. 

These  are  my  objects! 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  May  9,  1914. 

Question:  "What  do  you  expect  the  Bahais  to  accomplish  in  the 
world.?" 

Answer:  The  Bahais  must  be  the  servants  of  universal  peace,  the 
workers  for  the  Cause  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity,  the  spread- 
ers of  heavenly  love  amongst  the  children  of  men,  the  promulgators  of  the 
principles  of  the  progress  of  mankind,  the  dispellers  of  the  clouds  of  re- 
ligious, national,  patriotic  and  political  prejudices  and  the  upholders  of 
the  inviolable  rights  of  equality  between  men  and  women.  They  must 
correspond  religious  ideals  with  the  deductions  of  science  and  reason  and 
discard  all  such  theories  which  cannot  stand  the  test  of  intellect  and  em- 
pirical knowledge.  This  is  the  work  of  the  Bahais.  Dost  thou  not  desire 
to  accomplish  this  work.?  Art  thou  not  in  favor  of  it.?  Dost  thou  like 
to  enlist  in  this  army?  Yes!  Then  come  and  be  ushered  under  this  tent. 
Make  thou  also  an  effort,  so  that  the  world  of  humanity  may  attain  to  the 
highest  summit  of  perfection.  Strive  that  religion  may  be  cleansed  from 
ignorant  prejudices.  Strive  that  bias  may  be  removed.  Strive  that  war- 
fare and  strife  may  become  non-existent.  Strive  that  love  and  good- 
fellowship  may  replace  intolerance  and  the  narrowness  of  dogmatism. 
Strive  to  scatter  the  seeds  of  kindness  in  the  hearts.     These  are  the  teach- 


ABDUL  BAHA  177 

ings  of  Baha'o'Uah.  We  are  striving  in  this  path.  His  Holiness  Baha- 
'o'llah  has  opened  a  great  door  of  interdependence  of  all  nations  before 
the  faces.  For  example,  the  strict  adherents  of  the  present-day  religions 
consider  each  other  as  infidels  and  contaminating,  as  apostates  in  the  sight 
of  God  and  man,  as  deserving  to  be  thrown  to  the  bottom  of  hell  and 
in  the  jaws  of  satan;  but  Baha'o'Uah  addressing  the  world  of  humanity 
says:  "Ye  are  the  leaves  of  one  branch,  and  the  fruits  of  one  tree!" 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  May  9,  1914. 

While  at  Stuttgart  Abdul  Baha  was  one  day  watching  a  regiment  of 
soldiers  passing  by  in  great  array,  and  he  said: 

They  are  ready  to  fight  for  their  fatherland.  How  barbarous  it  seems 
to  send  men  who  do  not  even  know  each  other  onto  the  battlefield  in  order 
to  shoot  each  other  dowm. 

The  Bahai  grand  army  consists  of  the  invisible  angels  of  the  Supreme 
Concourse.  Our  swords  are  the  words  of  love  and  life.  Our  armaments  are 
the  invisible  armaments  of  heaven.  We  are  fighting  against  the  forces 
of  darkness.  O  my  soldiers!  My  beloved  soldiers!  Forward!  Forward! 
Have  no  fear  of  defeat;  do  not  have  failing  hearts.  Our  supreme  com- 
mander is  Baha'o'Uah.  From  the  heights  of  glory  He  is  directing  this 
dramatic  engagement.  He  commands  us.  Rush  forward!  Show  the 
strength  of  your  arms.     Ye  shall  scatter  the  forces  of  ignorance. 

Your  war  confers  life;  their  war  brings  death.  Your  war  is  the  cause 
of  the  illumination  of  all  mankind;  their  war  means  the  breaking  and 
darkness  of  hearts.  Your  war  means  victory;  their  war  is  defeat  upon 
defeat.  Your  war  is  the  means  of  construction;  their  war  is  the  origin  of 
destruction.  There  are  no  dangers  for  you.  Push  forward!  Fire!  Fire! 
Attack  the  enemy!  Your  efforts  shall  be  crowned  with  the  diadem  of 
eternal  peace  and  brotherhood.  His  Holiness  the  Christ  was  fighting 
even  upon  the  cross  and  His  triumphs  have  continued  through  ages  and 
cycles.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p.  157. 

What  is  a  Bahai?  asked  one  of  the  reporters. 

To  be  a  Bahai  simply  means  to  love  all  the  world,  to  love  humanity 
and  try  to  serve  it;  to  work  for  universal  peace  and  the  imiversal  brother- 
hood. 

Tell  the  believers  I  send  them  my  greetings  and  love;  that  I  love  them 
very  much;  that  they  must  occupy  themselves  wdth  the  thought  of  the 
eternal  world  and  not  give  all  to  the  phenomenal  world;  that  the  founda- 
tion must  be  love  and  amity;  that  they  may  be  able  to  pitch  their  tents 
amongst  dark  humanity;  that  through  them  all  the  nations  may  become 
one;  that  through  them  all  differences  of  the  people  may  disappear  and 
they  become  one;  that  through  them  all  places  may  be  alike  and  become 
one.  What  will  cause  all  this?  The  only  means  is  that  the  believers  become 
one.  Then  they  ^vill  be  able  to  sing  a  new  melody;  wall  be  able  to  raise  a 
new  flag;  will  be  kind  to  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth;  will  love  humanity; 
and  act  with  perfect  honesty  and  service  to  all;  will  know  all  as  members 
of  our  own  body;  will  know  all  nations  as  their  friends;  will  have  perfect 
friendship  for  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth.     They  must  make  no  difference 


178  COMPILATION 

between  friend  and  outsider;  they  must  know  no  difference  between  friend 
and  enemy;  they  must  love  all  as  friends. 

Abdul  Baha.     Message  thru  Miss  B.,   1909. 

*  *  *  On  the  other  hand,  Baha'o'llah  compelled  the  Babis  to  non- 
resistance  and  taught  them  day  and  night  to  adorn  themselves  with  the 
qualities  of  holiness  and  sanctity,  and  commanded  them  to  be  meek  and 
holy.  He  said:  "It  is  better  for  you  to  be  killed  than  to  kill!"  He 
exhorted  them  to  be  faithful,  to  be  kind  toward  all  the  nations,  to  deal 
sincerely  with  all  the  people,  to  characterize  themselves  with  mercy, 
benevolence,  clemency  and  charity,  and  to  exert  themselves  at  all  times 
to  serve  the  world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Feb.  17,  1914, 

Star,  Nov.  4,  1917. 

The  fundamental  object  is  *  *  *  the  promulgation  of  the  Cause  of 
God  and  the  exaltation  of  the  Word  of  God.  This  is  the  power  that  will 
become  effective  in  the  very  heart  of  the  world,  because  it  is  confirmed  by 
the  Holy  Spirit.  This  matter  will  confer  life  upon  the  body  of  the  world 
of  creation. 

Today  if  the  soul  who  is  attracted  with  the  love  of  God  and  burning 
with  the  flame  of  enthusiasm  —  opening  his  tongue,  speaking  or  delivering 
his  speech  in  the  utmost  state  of  attraction,  it  will  undoubtedly  produce 
the  most  wonderful  effect  upon  the  hearts.  With  a  resonant  voice,  he 
must  cry  out:  O  people!  O  people!  The  Sun  of  Reality  has  dawned 
from  the  horizon  of  the  world,  casting  effulgence  upon  the  East  and  West ! 
He  has  instructed  the  world  of  humanity  through  heavenly  teachings  and 
He  has  become  the  cause  of  human  solidarity.  Consequently,  as  uni- 
versal peace  is  one  principle  of  the  principles  of  Baha'o'Uah  it  will  become 
fully  established  through  this  heavenly  power. 

Without  this  potency,  this  desire  will  not  be  realized.  For  the  simple 
reason  that  the  teachings  of  His  Holiness  Baha'o'Uah  declare  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity,  they  cause  religion  to  be  the  foundation  of 
union  and  accord  in  the  world;  become  conducive  to  the  good-fellowship 
between  the  children  of  men;  conform  religion  with  science  and  reason; 
take  away  political,  religious  and  racial  prejudice;  uphold  the  doctrine 
of  perfect  equality  between  men  and  women;  espouse  the  cause  of  an 
international  auxiliary  language;  foster  the  universalization  of  education; 
readjust  and  equalize  in  the  most  perfect  manner  the  economic  relations 
of  the  social  structure;  destroy  totally  the  basis  of  hostilities  and  ill-will 
amongst  mankind;  constitute  the  five  continents  as  one  continent;  suffer 
the  various  races  of  men  to  become  as  one  race;  rend  asunder  entirely  the 
veil  of  superstition;  reveal  in  the  assemblage  of  humanity  the  light  of 
truth;  illumine  the  hearts  with  the  ray  of  guidance;  resurrect  the  spirits 
with  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  baptize  the  souls  with  the  water  of 
life  eternal,  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  and  the  outpouring  of  the  divine 
spirit. 

O  thou  world  of  humanity,  awake,  awake! 

O  thou  negligent  of  the  Kingdom  of  God,  revive,  revive! 


ABDUL  BAHA  179 

O  thou  prisoner  of  nature,  liberate  thyself,  liberate  thyself! 

O  thou  afflicted  with  antiquated  dogmas,  get  clear  of  superannuated 
imaginations,  free  thyself  of  this  inertia! 

O  thou  deprived  of  heavenly  bestowals,  acquire  a  share,  acquire  a  share ! 

O  thou  heedless  of  the  divine  world,  be  informed,  be  informed ! 

Cry  at  the  top  of  your  voices  similar  utterances  in  those  meetings 
before  the  concourse  of  humanity.  The  effect  of  your  words  will  be  con- 
ditioned upon  the  degree  of  your  attraction  and  exaltation.  Then  you 
will  observe  what  an  effect  this  will  have. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  San  Francisco,  1914. 

Thy  letter  was  received.  I  ask  from  God,  and  I  supplicated  on  the 
Threshold  of  oneness,  that  thy  utmost  desire  may  be  realized. 

The  desire  of  the  sanctified  souls  is  always  sacrifice  in  the  path  of  God, 
attraction  by  the  merciful  fragrances,  the  unification  of  the  souls,  the 
proclamation  of  the  universal  peace,  the  establishment  of  the  oneness  of 
humanity  and  the  enkindlement  of  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  in  the  souls 
of  men. 

It  is  my  hope  that  the  desire  of  the  friends  of  God  be  such  that  they 
may  be  released  from  the  influences  of  the  ephemeral  world,  shine  in  the 
kingdom  of  eternity,  be  exhilarated  by  the  wine  of  the  love  of  God  and 
like  unto  the  tempestuous  sea  rage  and  roar  with  the  ardor  of  the  love 
of  God.  Abdul  Baha.    Tablet  to  J.  T. 

*  *  *  Enkindle  with  all  your  might  in  every  meeting  the  light  of  the 
love  of  God,  gladden  and  cheer  every  heart  with  the  utmost  loving  kind- 
ness, show  forth  your  love  to  strangers  just  as  you  show  forth  to  your 
relations.  If  a  soul  is  seeking  to  quarrel  ask  ye  for  reconciliation;  if  he 
blame,  praise;  if  he  give  you  a  deadly  poison,  bestow  ye  an  all-healing 
antidote;  if  he  createth  death,  administer  ye  eternal  life;  if  he  become  a 
thorn  change  ye  into  roses  and  hyacinths,  perchance  through  such  deeds 
and  words  this  darkened  world  will  become  illuminated,  this  terrestrial 
universe  will  become  transformed  into  a  heavenly  realm  and  this  satanic 
prison  become  a  divine  court;  warfare  and  bloodshed  will  be  annihilated 
and  love  and  faithfulness  hoist  the  tent  of  unity  upon  the  apex  of  the  world. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  503. 

*  *  *  For  in  the  tavern  of  the  mortal  world  the  bile  of  the  man  of  God 
is  not  removed.  He  will  not  rest  a  moment  here  and  will  not  stain  himself 
with  the  attachments  of  the  world.  Nay  rather,  the  friends  are  the  stars 
of  the  summit  of  providence  and  the  planets  of  the  firmament  of  guidance. 
With  perfect  strength  do  they  dispel  darkness  and  destroy  the  foundation 
of  envy  and  enmity.  They  wish  for  the  world  and  its  denizens  unity  and 
peace;  they  destroy  the  basis  of  war  and  strife:  they  seek  integrity, 
faithfulness  and  friendliness,  and  are  well-wishers  even  of  the  evil-disposed 
enemy.  Thus  they  make  this  prison  of  infidelity  the  sublime  mansion 
of  fidelity,  and  this  dungeon  of  envy  a  delectable  paradise.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  2,  p.  380. 


180  COMPILATION 

UNIVERSAL  DISARMAMENT  —  ARBITRATION 

Baha'o'llah  declared  the  coming  of  the  Most  Great  Peace.  All  the 
nations  and  peoples  will  come  under  the  shadow  of  the  tent  of  the  great 
peace  and  harmony,  that  is  to  say,  by  general  election  a  great  board  of 
arbitration  shall  be  established,  to  settle  all  differences  and  quarrels  be- 
tween the  powers;   so  that  disputes  shall  not  end  in  war. 

Baha'o'llah  taught  that  hearts  must  receive  the  bounty  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  so  that  spiritual  civilization  may  be  established.  For  material 
civilization  is  not  adequate  for  the  needs  of  mankind  and  cannot  be  the 
cause  of  its  happiness.  Material  civilization  is  like  the  body  and  spiritual 
civilization  is  like  the  soul.     Body  without  soul  cannot  live. 

Abdul  Baha.     London  Talks,  pp.  17-18. 

The  Conference  on  International  Arbitration  and  Peace  is  the  greatest 
results  of  this  great  age.  This  brilliant  century  has  no  likeness  and  simili- 
tude in  the  history  of  man.  From  every  standpoint  it  is  distinguished 
above  all  other  centuries.  It  is  specialized  with  such  excellencies  that  the 
shining  star  of  the  heavenly  confirmations  shall  gleam  from  the  horizon 
of  this  century  upon  all  the  future  cycles  and  periods.  One  of  the  most 
extraordinary  events  of  this  time,  which  indeed  is  a  miracle,  is  the  founding 
of  the  oneness  of  this  realm  of  humanity  and  its  essential  branches,  such 
as  universal  peace  and  the  unity  of  the  different  nations,  in  this  arena  of 
existence. 

Persia  was  at  one  time  the  center  of  religious  difference,  antagonism  and 
oppression,  to  such  an  extent  that  pen  is  unable  to  describe.  The  ad- 
herents of  different  nations  and  religions  considered  it  their  religious  duty 
to  shed  the  blood  of  their  opponents;  they  pillaged  and  ransacked  each 
other's  property  and  did  not  fall  short  of  oppressing  their  own  flesh  and 
blood.  The  hatred  between  the  various  religions  attained  to  such  a  height 
that  they  considered  each  other  unclean.  Should  a  Jew  enter  a  Moham- 
medan home,  he  would  be  made  to  sit  upon  the  ground;  if  he  drank  water 
from  a  cup,  that  cup  was  destroyed  or  washed  again  and  again,  for  the 
Jew  was  considered  unclean.  Such  was  the  hatred  and  rancor  among  the 
different  religions  and  nations  in  Persia. 

About  sixty  years  ago  His  Highness  Baha'o'llah,  through  the  heavenly 
power  proclaimed  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  man  in  that  country  and 
addressing  the  concourse  of  humanity  said:  "O  ye  people!  Ye  are  all 
the  fruits  of  one  tree  and  the  leaves  of  one  branch ! " 

About  fifty  years  ago  in  the  Book  of  Akdas,  he  commanded  the  people 
to  establish  the  universal  peace  and  summoned  all  the  nations  to  the  divine 
banquet  of  international  arbitration,  so  that  the  questions  of  boundaries, 
of  national  honor  and  property,  and  of  vital  interests  between  nations 
might  be  decided  by  an  arbitral  court  of  justice;  and  that  no  nation  would 
dare  to  refuse  to  abide  by  their  decisions.  If  any  quarrel  arise  between 
two  nations  it  must  be  adjudicated  by  this  international  court  and  be 
arbitrated  and  decided  upon  like  the  judgment  rendered  by  the  judge  be- 
tween individuals.  If  at  any  time  any  nation  dares  to  break  such  a  treaty 
all  the  other  nations  must  arise  to  put  down  this  rebellion. 


ABDUL  BAHA  181 

Baha'o'llah  has  clearly  stated  that  this  universal  peace  is  the  cause  of 
the  tranquility  of  the  realm  of  creation.  Now  as  the  International  Con- 
ference on  Arbitration  is  organized  in  America  and  as  this  problem  is  a 
branch  which  will  ultimately  bring  about  the  unity  of  the  world,  therefore, 
we  remember  you  with  the  utmost  respect,  that  praise  be  to  God,  you  have 
arisen  to  perform  such  a  universal  service.  God  willing,  that  Conference 
will  progress  day  by  day  and  will  bring  about  all-embracing  results  and 
will  establish  reconciliation  and  universal  love  between  the  dijBFerent 
nations,  races  and  peoples  of  the  world.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha,     Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  15,  p.  4. 

*  *  *  Furthermore,  the  most  important  issue  of  the  day  is  that  which 
concerns  international  peace  and  arbitration;  and  universal  peace  is  im- 
possible without  universal  suffrage.  Children  are  educated  by  the  women. 
The  mother  bears  the  troubles  of  rearing  the  child.  She  undergoes  the 
ordeals  of  birth  and  training.  Therefore,  it  is  most  difficult  for  mothers 
to  send  to  the  battlefield  their  dear  ones,  their  offspring  upon  whom  they 
have  lavished  such  love  and  care.  Consider,  a  child  reared  and  trained 
twenty  years  by  a  mother.  How  many  nights  she  has  passed  sleepless; 
how  many  days  restless  and  anxious!  With  the  utmost  diflSculty  she  has 
brought  him  to  the  age  of  maturity.  How  difficult  then  it  is  to  sacrifice 
him  upon  the  battlefield.  These  mothers  therefore,  will  not  sanction  war, 
nor  be  satisfied  with  it.  So  it  will  come  to  pass  that  when  womankind 
partake  fully  and  equally  in  the  affairs  of  the  world,  in  the  great  arena  of 
laws  and  politics,  war  will  cease;  for  woman  will  prove  the  obstacle  or 
hindrance  to  it.     This  is  certain  and  without  doubt. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  8,  p.  19. 

A  supreme  tribunal  shall  be  established  by  the  peoples  and  Govern- 
ments of  every  nation,  composed  of  members  elected  from  each  country 
and  Government.  The  members  of  this  great  council  shall  assemble  iu 
unity.  All  disputes  of  an  international  character  shall  be  submitted  to 
this  Court,  its  work  being  to  arrange  by  arbitration  everything  which  other- 
wise would  be  a  cause  of  war.  The  mission  of  this  tribunal  would  be  to 
prevent  war. 

One  of  the  great  steps  towards  universal  peace  would  be  the  establish- 
ment of  a  universal  language.  *  *  * 

Difference  of  speech  is  one  of  the  most  fruitful  causes  of  dislike  and 
distrust  that  exists  between  nations.  They  are  kept  apart  by  their  in- 
ability to  understand  each  other's  language  more  than  by  any  other  reason. 
If  everybody  could  speak  one  language,  how  much  more  easy  would  it  be 
to  serve  humanity. 

Therefore  appreciate  Esperanto,  for  it  is  the  beginning  of  the  carrying 
out  of  one  of  the  most  important  laws  of  Baha'o'llah,  and  it  must  continue 
to  be  improved  and  perfected. 

Abdul  Baha.     Paris  Talks,  pp.  145,  146. 

Whenever  the  thought  of  your  exalted  aims  and  supreme  magnanimity 
crosses  my  mind,  the  heart  and  soul  are  rejoiced  and  delighted  and  new 


182  COMPILATION 

hope  and  new  happiness  spring  from  the  well  of  the  spirit.  In  this  day 
when  the  intense  darkness  of  battle  and  carnage  have  encircled  Asia  and 
Africa,  and  the  suffocating  dust  of  rancor  and  animosity  has  encircled  the 
regions  with  its  gloom,  praise  be  to  God,  the  members  of  your  society  are 
ignited  like  unto  lamps  and  are  shining  like  unto  stars.  It  is  hoped  that 
the  illumination  of  arbitration  and  peace,  and  the  spirituality  of  love  and 
concord  may  cause  the  disappearance  of  this  darkness  from  the  world  and 
illumine  the  horizon  of  the  East  and  the  West,  through  your  endeavors. 

His  Highness  Baha'o'Uah  suffered  fifty  years  of  imprisonment  and 
trials  for  the  attainment  of  this  most  great  bounty,  —  that  is  arbitration 
and  peace.  Sixty  years  ago  He  laid  the  foundation  of  this  structure,  and 
fifty  years  ago  He  proclaimed  this  exalted  principle  of  His  teachings  to  the 
Kings  and  Emperors  of  the  world.  Now  we  must  water  this  pure  seed 
which  is  sown  in  the  ground  of  the  hearts.  Praise  be  to  God,  that  those 
noble  friends  are  efficient  gardeners.  *  *  * 

I  beg  you  to  accept  my  warm  sentiment  of  love  and  gratitude  for  the 
service  that  your  Society  has  rendered  to  the  world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  President  of  N.  Y.  Peace  Society  (Jan.  29, 1912). 

O  thou  great  and  respected  personage! 

The  details  of  the  conference  of  peace  and  arbitration  which  is  organized 
under  your  presidency  has  been  read  in  the  papers  of  the  East  and  the  West 
and  the  utmost  joy  and  fragrance  was  produced;  that,  praise  be  to  God, 
in  the  continent  of  America,  under  the  presidency  of  a  glorious  personage, 
the  Conference  of  International  Peace  is  convened.  Today  in  the  world 
of  existence  there  is  no  more  important  and  greater  cause  than  this,  for 
it  is  conducive  to  the  promotion  of  happiness  in  the  commonwealth  of 
humanity  and  is  the  cause  of  tranquility  of  all  the  nations  and  countries 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  individuals  of  the  human  world.  What  cause  is 
greater  than  this!  It  is  evident  that  it  has  the  utmost  importance,  nay 
rather,  it  will  be  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of  the  East  and  the  West  and 
the  reason  for  the  manifestation  of  the  countenance  and  the  face  of  God 
in  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  appearance  of  infinite  affections.  There- 
fore, although  this  longing  one  has  no  acquaintance  with  your  honor,  yet 
this  great  cause  and  this  eminent  effort  of  yours  became  the  cause  of  my 
having  infinite  love  for  you  while  absent.  Consequently,  I  am  engaged  in 
writing  you  this  epistle. 

The  matter  of  international  peace  was  instituted  by  His  Holiness, 
Baha'o'llah,  sixty  years  ago  in  Persia  in  the  year  of  1851  A.  D.  From  that 
time  innumerable  epistles  and  tablets  were  spread  first  in  Persia  and  then 
in  other  parts  of  the  world,  until  about  fifty  years  ago  He  clearly  stated 
this  matter  of  universal  peace  in  the  Book  of  Akdas  and  has  commanded 
all  the  Bahais  to  serve  faithfully  with  heart  and  soul  in  this  great  Cause, 
give  up  their  possessions  and  wealth  for  it  and  sacrifice  their  lives  in  case 
of  necessity.  He  has  taught  them  to  spread  the  unity  of  nations  and  re- 
ligions and  proclaim  in  all  the  regions  of  the  world  the  oneness  of  the  king- 
dom of  humanity.  There  are  different  religions  in  Persia,  such  as  Mo- 
hammedans, Christians,  Jews,  Zoroastrians,  and  different  sects.  Through 
the  power  of  Baha'o'llah  such  affection  and  love  is  produced  among  these 


ABDUL  BAHA  183 

various  religions  that  now  they  are  associating  with  each  other  with  the 
utmost  unity  and  concord  hke  unto  fathers,  sons,  brothers,  mothers  and 
daughters.  Whenever  they  gather  in  a  meeting  if  a  stranger  enters  in 
that  gathering  he  is  astonished  by  the  love  and  affection  that  they  mani- 
fest. There  is  not  the  slightest  sign  of  difference  and  separation.  Some 
of  the  tablets  of  Baha'o'llah  concerning  this  matter  are  translated  in  Am- 
erica. Seek,  perchance  you  may  find  them,  then  you  shall  realize  what 
a  permanent  structure  Baha*o'ilah  has  raised  in  this  world  of  existence,  the 
result  of  which  will  be  the  oneness  of  all  humanity.  Likewise,  innumerable 
tablets  have  been  written  with  the  pen  of  this  longing  one.  Ask  for  them, 
too;   perhaps  you  may  find  their  translations  in  America. 

To  be  brief,  as  His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah,  in  this  period  of  man  has 
planted  a  fruitful  tree  in  the  garden  of  the  oneness  of  the  human  race,  and 
as  your  honor  is  engaged  in  reality  to  irrigate  this  garden,  therefore,  I 
found  it  necessary  to  express  my  gratitude  and  happiness  to  you,  so  that 
your  good  name  may  be  spread  not  only  in  Persia  but  throughout  all 
Oriental  countries  and  the  people  of  the  East  may  remember  your  name 
with  great  respect.  I  hope  that  the  principles  of  international  peace  and 
universal  reconciliation  may  be  established  firmly  among  the  individual 
members  of  humanity  and  its  fragrance  may  be  spread  throughout  all  the 
regions.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  2,  No.  15,  pp.  3-4. 

Question:  "What  is  your  opinion  concerning  disarmament?" 
Answer:  By  a  general  agreement  all  the  governments  of  the  world  must 
disarm  simultaneously.  It  will  not  do  if  one  lays  down  its  arms  and  the 
others  refuse  to  do  so.  The  nations  of  the  world  must  concur  with  each 
other  concerning  this  supremely  important  subject,  thus  they  may  abandon 
together  the  deadly  weapons  of  human  slaughter.  As  long  as  one  nation 
increases  her  military  and  naval  budget,  another  nation  will  be  forced  into 
this  crazed  competition  through  her  natural  and  supposed  interests.  For 
example,  Germany  has  unceasingly  added  a  vast  sum  for  the  maintenance 
of  her  army;  this  alarms  the  French  statesmen  and  volatile  patriots,  and 
aflfects  the  calm  and  steady  nerves  of  the  Britishers  across  the  channel. 
Immediately  there  will  be  rumors  of  war,  of  German  aggression,  German 
ambition,  the  yellow  journals  write  scarring  editorials,  jingoism  becomes 
the  topic  of  the  capitals  and  the  air  will  be  filled  with  suspicions.  Some 
one  will  see,  for  the  purpose  of  expediency,  a  German  dirigible  flying  over 
French  fortifications  or  English  forts,  making  observations,  whereupon 
a  hue  and  a  cry  will  be  raised  from  every  quarter  of  the  country,  and  thus 
there  will  be  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  estimates  of  the  minister  of 
war  for  the  defense  of  our  homes  and  our  hearths,  our  women  and  our 
sweethearts,  from  the  attacks  of  strangers.  The  same  argument  is  re- 
sorted to  when  the  French  nation  adds  one  or  two  years  to  her  military 
conscription,  and  the  English  imperialists  emphasize  in  public  meetings 
the  doctrine  of  the  "double  standard  power."  Now,  so  long  as  Germany 
continues  in  her  own  military  perfection,  the  French  will  walk  in  her  foot- 
steps, trying  at  every  turn  to  increase  their  own  war  ammunition,  to  be 
prepared  for  any  national  crisis  or  sudden  attack.  Hence,  it  seems  the 
only  solution  lies  in  universal  disarmament  on  the  part  of  the  nations. 


184  COMPILATION 

When  we  speak  of  universal  peace,  we  mean  that  all  the  governments 
must  change  their  fleets  of  battleships  and  dreadnaughts  to  a  mighty  fleet 
of  merchant- marine,  plying  the  oceans  of  the  world,  uniting  the  distant 
shores  and  interweaving  the  commercial,  intellectual  and  moral  forces  of 
mankind.  But  should  England  alone  transform  the  character  of  her  war- 
ships, she  would  be  at  the  mercy  of  her  enemies  and  would  remain  power- 
less and  defenseless.  The  British  Isles  would  unquestionably  be  threatened 
by  a  powerful  invading,  well-disciplined  host.  Hence,  aside  from  any 
national  prowess,  the  English  people  would  be  pushed  into  this  weltering 
whirlpool  of  military  and  naval  expenditures,  and  would  be  struggling  to 
keep  their  heads  above  the  seething  water  all  around  them,  which,  unless 
calmed  down,  would  drown  all  of  them,  irrespective  of  any  nationality. 

Once  a  person  met  his  friend  in  the  street,  and  after  the  exchange  of 
courtesies  gave  him  a  hard  blow  in  the  face.  "Why  dost  thou  do  this.'^" 
"Hast  thou  not  read  in  the  Gospel  wherein  Christ  says:  Whosoever  shall 
smite  thee  on  thy  left  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other.  Now  according  to 
this  admonition  let  me  smite  thee  on  thy  left  cheek  also."  The  man  sub- 
mitted to  the  second  blow  quite  willingly,  and  they  parted.  Next  day 
they  met  each  other  again,  and  the  man  received  two  more  blows  on  his 
cheek  without  any  evident  murmur.  They  met  the  third  day,  and  he  was 
going  to  inflict  upon  him  the  same  blows.  "Wait  a  minute,  my  friend,  I 
am  not  the  only  person  in  the  world  to  live  according  to  the  teachings  of 
Christ.  Thou  art  also  one.  I  have  obeyed  Him  two  days,  and  the  next 
two  days  will  be  thy  turn."  With  these  words  he  smote  the  man  on  his 
cheek,  and  asked  him  to  turn  the  other  also. 

Now  the  question  of  disarmament  must  be  put  into  practice  by  all  the 
nations  and  not  only  by  one  or  two.  Consequently,  the  advocates  of  peace 
must  strive  day  and  night,  so  that  the  individuals  of  every  country  may  be- 
come peace-loving,  public  opinion  may  gain  a  strong  and  permanent  foot- 
ing, and  day  by  day  the  army  of  international  peace  be  increased,  complete 
disarmament  be  realized  and  the  flag  of  universal  conciliation  be  waving 
on  the  summit  of  the  mountains  of  the  earth. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  115,  May,  1914. 


AMERICA 

I  love  this  country  with  exceeding  love,  for  its  inhabitants  are  a  noble 
people  and  its  government  is  fair  and  just.  Its  citizens  are  enjoying  the 
greatest  amount  of  political  and  civic  freedom.  In  reality,  every  soul  is  a 
real  sovereign  and  delights  in  the  fruit  of  his  hard-won  liberty.  No  one  is 
harassed  by  secret  fears,  but  expresses  his  thoughts  freely  and  without 
apprehension.  The  sphere  of  the  mind  is  made  radiant  with  briUiant 
ideals,  and  the  field  for  the  discussion  of  the  progressive  and  advanced 
problems  of  the  age  is  as  spacious  as  heaven.  Consequently,  I  hope  that 
this  illustrious  democracy  may  become  confirmed  in  the  establishment  of 
universal  peace,  *  *  *  because  the  greatest  principle  of  His  Holiness 
Baha'o'llah  is  universal  peace.  He  wrote  concerning  this  in  wonderful 
epistles  to  the  governments  of  the  world,  urging  them  to  come  forward  and 
lay  the  foundation  of  international  conciliation  amongst  the  religions, 


ABDUL  BAHA  185 

nations  and  races.  America  has  demonstrated  great  organizing  capacity 
in  this  direction.  Work  for  the  sake  of  God  and  for  the  improvement  of 
humanity  without  any  expectation  of  praise  and  reward.  His  Holiness 
Christ  was  not  appreciated  in  His  lifetime.  The  magnitude  of  His  char- 
acter and  the  sublimity  of  His  teachings  were  only  recognized  long  after 
His  crucifixion.  The  present  is  always  unimportant,  but  we  must  make  our 
present  so  filled  with  mighty,  altruistic  deeds  as  to  assume  significant 
weight  and  momentous  ipiportance  in  the  future.  A  shallow  present  will 
surely  be  followed  by  a  superficial  future,  Christopher  Columbus  and  his 
idea,  before  the  discovery  of  America,  was  ridiculed  and  scoffed  at  and  he 
spent  the  last  days  of  his  eventful  life  in  poverty,  shame  and  prison.  But 
now  in  whatever  city  I  enter  I  see  the  houses,  the  parks,  the  streets  and 
public  buildings  adorned  with  his  picture  and  statue.  None  of  the  pro- 
phets, philosophers,  benefactors  of  the  human  race,  leaders  of  great  re- 
forms, scientists,  inventors  and  discoverers  were  duly  appreciated  in  their 
own  days;  nay  rather,  they  were  persecuted,  maligned,  thro"v\Ti  into  prison 
and,  if  possible,  put  to  death.  The  people  should  have  honored  and 
adored  them;  but  they  (the  people)  are  not  as  a  whole  worthy  to  worship 
the  reality;  they  apotheosize  the  phantasm  —  a  supposed  image  formed 
by  their  minds.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  119. 

Praise  be  to  God !  The  United  States  has  in  reality  made  extraordinary 
progress;  day  by  day  they  are  advancing  toward  the  ultimate  goal.  The 
material  virtues  of  the  people  are  many;  now  they  must  think  of  the  ideal 
virtues,  so  that  the  highest  of  the  perfections  of  humanity  may  illumine 
the  regions  of  America. 

Among  the  highest  virtues  are  universal  peace  and  the  oneness  of 
humanity.  The  chief  ailment  of  humanity  today  is  international  strife; 
this  militates  against  the  advancement  of  the  material  and  ideal  virtues. 

The  continent  of  America  is  isolated  so  far  as  other  countries  are  con- 
cerned; the  government  is  not  thinking  of  making  conquests,  of  enlarging 
the  circle  of  colonization.  They  are  not  thinking  to  contend  with  other 
nations  so  far  as  financial,  commercial  and  political  supremacy  is  con- 
cerned.    They  are  not  the  rival  of  any  other  nation. 

Their  utmost  desire  is  this :  that  the  continent  of  America  be  protected. 

They  are  engaged  in  the  amelioration  of  internal  conditions;  they  are 
not  engaged  in  warfare  with  any  nation,  therefore,  they  have  the  time 
and  ability  to  raise  the  standard  of  universal  peace  and  spread  the  doctrine 
of  the  oneness  of  God.  May  their  influence  spread  and  permeate  to  all 
parts  of  the  world. 

Other  peoples  of  the  world  have  to  contend  with  international  diflBcul- 
ties.  First,  the  nations  are  rivals  with  each  other  so  far  as  commercial 
advantages  are  concerned.  Second,  they  are  thinking  of  the  national  self- 
aggrandisement.  Third,  they  are  thinking  of  planting  new  colonies. 
Therefore,  it  is  diflBcult  for  them  to  step  into  this  field  to  uphold  interna- 
tional peace,  because  they  are  contending,  warlike,  victory-loving  people. 
They  cannot  be  instrumental  in  promulgating  international  peace. 

But,  praise  be  to  God,  the  American  government  is  no  warlike  govern- 
ment; the  American  democracy  is  not  founded  upon  warlike  doctrines. 


186  COMPILATION 

Hence  it  becomes  this  democracy  to  uphold  international  peace  and  spread 
it  throughout  the  world.  Through  the  promulgation  of  this  doctrine  will 
be  distributed  the  greatest  blessing. 

It  will  eliminate  the  darkness  of  prejudice,  the  darkness  of  war,  the 
darkness  of  rancor  and  hatred,  the  darkness  of  racial  prejudice,  the  darkness 
of  political  prejudice.  May  this  darkness  be  blotted  out  and  the  Ught 
become  widespread  —  universal.  May  the  oneness  of  humanity  become 
primordial  —  supreme. 

His  Holiness  Baha'o'llah,  fifty  years  ago,  spread  broadcast  His  great 
movement  and  proclaimed  the  benefits  of  international  peace.  This  took 
place  at  a  time  when  the  thought  was  not  in  the  minds  of  men,  nor  the 
words  were  not  upon  the  tongues  of  the  people  —  the  time  He  summoned 
the  people  from  all  parts  of  the  Orient.  He  addressed  letters  to  the  sover- 
eigns of  the  earth,  setting  forth  the  results  to  accrue  from  the  establishment 
of  universal  peace.  He  invited  all  to  participate  in  a  world's  arbitral 
court  of  justice,  to  be  composed  of  representatives  of  every  government  in 
the  world,  the  delegates  thereto  to  be  chosen  and  ratified  by  the  govern- 
ments. Thereto  would  be  referred  disputes  between  nations  for  settle- 
ment. In  case  any  government  or  nation  should  prove  rebellious  con- 
cerning any  decision  of  the  court,  the  other  nations  should  coalesce  to 
force  obedience. 

My  fervent  hope  and  fond  desire  concerning  the  American  people  is 
that  through  their  instrumentality  the  scope  of  this  project  will  be  en- 
larged and  that  earnest  concerted  action  between  the  nations  of  the  world 
will  result  therefrom.  This  great  Cause  which  alone  insures  the  happiness 
of  the  world,  must  receive  support  throughout  the  world. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  166. 

*  *  *  Envy  and  rancor  arise  between  nations,  but  because  I  find  the 
American  nation  so  capable  of  achievement,  and  the  American  govern- 
ment the  fairest  of  the  western  governments,  its  systems  superior  to  others, 
my  wish  and  hope  is  that  the  banner  of  peace  may  be  raised  first  on  this  conti- 
nent and  that  the  standard  of  the  Most  Great  Peace  may  here  be  unfurled. 

May  the  nation  of  America  and  its  government  unite  in  their  efforts,  in 
order  that  this  light  may  dawn  from  this  point  and  spread  to  all  regions, 
for  this  is  one  of  the  greatest  bestowals  of  God.  In  order  that  America 
may  avail  herself  of  this  opportunity,  I  request  that  you  strive  and  suppli- 
cate with  heart  and  soul,  devoting  all  your  energies  to  this  end,  and  that 
the  banner  of  international  peace  in  reality  may  be  unfurled  here  and  that 
American  democracy  may  be  the  cause  of  the  cessation  of  warfare  in  all 
other  countries. 

Observe  what  is  taking  place  in  Tripoli!  Think  of  their  cutting  one 
another  into  pieces!  From  the  waters  of  the  sea  comes  the  bombardment; 
on  the  land  the  guns  respond,  and  from  the  very  air  itself  the  dynamiting 
descends.  The  contending  parties  are  thirsting  for  each  other's  blood. 
Truly  armies  should  not  contend  like  this.  How  can  they  do  it!  Have 
they  not  fathers,  have  they  not  mothers,  have  they  not  children,  are  they 
not  human.''  What  of  the  children  when  they  hear  the  terrible  news? 
What  of  the  wives?     Think  of  their  experiences! 


ABDUL  BAHA  187 

How  unjust  this  is,  how  terrible!  Human  beings  should  not  suffer 
this.  Those  chieftains  should  strive  for  the  good  of  their  subjects.  Those 
shepherds  should  bring  their  sheep  within  the  fold  and  comfort  them  and 
give  them  pasture.  I  supplicate  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  ask  that  you 
may  be  instrumental  in  bringing  about  the  "Great  Peace"  in  this  country, 
in  this  nation  and  government,  and  through  them  spread  it  to  the  world. 

Abdul  Baha.    Wisdom  Talks,  p.  13. 

*  *  *  Praise  be  to  God  that  stupendous  material  developments  are 
obtained  in  this  country  (United  States);  but  material  civilization  alone 
does  not  safeguard  the  progress  of  a  nation ;  because  through  material  civil- 
ization dynamite,  Krupp  guns,  projectiles  and  Mauser  rifles  are  invented; 
thus  the  infernal  instruments  of  human  fratricide  are  multiplied  and  con- 
stantly perfected.     Therefore,  natural  civilization  fosters  both  good  and  evil. 

All  the  wolfish  bloodshed,  all  this  feverish  multiplication  of  military 
armaments  are  the  results  of  material  civilization. 

When  material  civilization  joins  hands  with  spiritual  civilization,  then 
it  will  be  perfect.  In  former  times  a  wooden  box  might  have  protected 
your  possessions  from  the  thief,  but  now  the  safes  with  their  complicated 
keys  and  combinations  do  not  daunt  the  robber. 

Consequently,  just  as  good  is  advancing  through  material  civilization, 
evil  takes  the  same  place,  unless  the  earthly  civilization  become  the 
handmaid  of  heavenly  civilization.  Natural  civilization  is  like  unto  the 
body  of  man.  If  the  body  be  animated  by  the  spirit  it  is  alive;  otherwise 
it  is  a  vile  corpse  which  in  the  long  run  will  become  putrid  and  decayed. 
Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahraad's  Diary,  July  15,  1913. 

Thou  hast  written  regarding  the  tests  and  trials  to  be  manifested  in 
the  American  countries.  Know  this,  that  hardships  and  misfortunes  shall 
increase  day  by  day  and  the  people  will  be  distressed.  The  doors  of  joy 
and  happiness  shall  be  closed  upon  all  sides,  terrible  wars  shall  happen. 
Disappointment  and  the  frustration  of  hopes  shall  surround  the  people 
from  every  direction  until  they  are  obliged  to  turn  to  God.  Then  the 
lights  of  great  happiness  will  enlighten  the  horizons,  so  that  the  cry  of 
"Ya  Baha-el-Abha ! "  may  arise  upon  all  sides.     This  will  happen. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablet  to  I.  D.  B.,  1904. 

*  *  *  America  cannot  be  compared  with  Europe.  The  problems  of 
America  in  comparison  with  those  of  Europe  are  as  nothing.  One  of  the 
problems  of  Europe  is  to  maintain  a  great  army.  All  the  French  and 
German  nations  are  soldiers,  but  you  are  free  from  this  great  calamity. 
You  must  thank  God  for  saving  you.  In  the  interior  of  America  there  is 
protection  and  safety.  The  first  banner  of  peace  will  rise  here.  Know 
for  a  certainty  that  this  will  come  to  pass.  For  man  knows  the  result  from 
the  beginning.  The  result  will  be  that  the  peace  which  you  have  here 
among  your  people  will,  from  here,  be  spread  to  other  regions. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  7,  p.  82. 

This  American  nation  is  a  revered  nation  and  presents  great  and  de- 
served worthiness.     I  hope  this  fair  government  will  stand  for  peace,  so 


188  COMPILATION 

that  warfare  may  not  reign  in  the  world;  that  the  banner  of  peace  shall  be 
unfurled  and  all  nations  be  united  together,  which  is  the  greatest  attain- 
ment of  the  world  of  humanity.  It  is  equipped  to  accomplish  that  which 
shall  surely  adorn  the  pages  of  history,  become  the  envy  of  the  world  and 
to  be  blest  in  the  East  and  the  West  because  of  its  democracy.  I  hope 
it  may  be  the  cause  thereof  and  I  ask  God  in  behalf  of  you  all. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  4,  p.  32. 

Every  state  of  the  United  States  is  an  independent  sovereignty  and 
freedom  rules  over  the  hearts  of  men.  Every  American  considers  himself 
responsible  to  hold  aloft  the  ideals  of  humanity  and  as  such  they  are  the 
guardians  of  the  rights  of  man.  Their  splendid  isolation  entitles  them 
not  to  interfere  with  the  internal  affairs  of  other  nations.  They  are  not 
imbued  with  the  ruthless  law  of  land-grabbing.  I  was  most  pleased  with 
the  results  of  my  trip  to  America.  I  found  a  wonderful  spirit  of  peace 
hovering  over  that  vast  continent.  The  people  are  inspired  with  the 
thought  of  peace  and  are  working  for  its  final  realization.  I  hope  that 
they  will  be  the  first  nation  to  unfurl  the  standard  of  peace.  I  will  ever 
pray  for  their  success.  Today  this  is  the  most  great  service  to  the  world 
of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  April  12,  1914. 

0  God !  O  Thou  who  art  the  confirmer  of  every  just  power  and  equitable 
empire  in  eternal  glory,  the  everlasting  power,  continuance,  steadfastness, 
firmness  and  greatness!  Strengthen  by  the  abundance  of  Thy  mercy 
every  government  which  acts  rightly  towards  its  subjects  and  every 
dominion,  given  by  Thee,  that  protects  the  poor  and  weak  by  its  flags. 

1  ask  Thee  by  the  abundance  of  Thy  holiness  and  that  of  Thy  bounty, 
to  assist  this  just  government  which  hath  stretched  out  the  ropes  of  its 
tent  to  far  and  wide  countries;  the  justice  of  which  hath  manifested  its 
proofs  throughout  the  well  inhabited,  cultivated  and  flourishing  regions 
belonging  to  such  government.  O  God,  strengthen  its  soldiers  and  flag, 
give  authority  and  influence  to  its  word  and  utterance,  perfect  its  terri- 
tories and  dominions,  guard  its  reputation,  make  its  renown  widely  spread, 
diffuse  its  traces  and  exalt  its  flag  by  Thy  conquering  power  and  wonderful 
might  in  the  Kingdom  of  creation. 

Thou  art  the  confirmer  of  whomsoever  Thou  wiliest. 
Verily,  Thou  art  the  powerful  and  the  Almighty. 

Prayer  revealed  for  America  by  Abdul  Baha,  about  the  year  1900. 

As  to  the  American  people,  this  noble  nation,  intelligent,  meditative: 
is  quite  disinterested,  for  its  territory  is  insular  and  geographically  separated 
from  the  other  nations.  Here  we  find  a  oneness  of  interest,  a  oneness  of 
policy.  These  are  indeed  United  States.  Therefore,  the  United  States 
is  possessed  of  the  capacity  and  capability  of  holding  aloft  the  banner 
of  international  peace.  May  this  nation,  this  noble  people,  be  the  cause 
of  unifying  humanity!  May  this  noble  people  spread  broadcast  the 
heavenly  civilization  and  illumination !  May  it  be  the  cause  of  the  diffusion 
of  the  love  of  God !     May  it  proclaim  the  solidarity  of  mankind !     May  it 


ABDUL  BAHA  189 

be  the  cause  of  the  guidance  of  the  human  race !  Therefore,  I  request  you 
to  give  this  all  important  question  your  most  serious  consideration  and 
efforts.  Thus  may  the  world  of  humanity  obtain  peace  and  comjiosure. 
Thus  may  this  dark  world  be  transformeil  into  a  realm  of  radiance.  Thus 
may  the  East  and  the  West  clasp  hands  together.  Thus  may  the  oneness 
of  God  become  reflected  and  fully  revealed  or  mirrored  forth  in  the  hearts 
of  humanity,  and  all  mankind  prove  to  be  manifestations  of  the  favors  of 
God.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  200  (1912). 

*  *  *  Now  I  have  come  to  America  and  I  consider  the  American  people 
to  be  a  civilized  people,  an  intelligent  nation,  a  nation  investigating  reality. 
I  hope  through  the  effort  of  this  noble  nation  the  solidarity  of  humanity 
will  be  advanced  daily;  the  illumination  of  the  human  world  will  be  wide- 
spread; the  banner  of  universal  peace  will  be  held  aloft;  the  lamp  of  the 
oneness  of  the  human  world  be  ignited;  and  the  hearts  of  the  East  and 
West  become  united.  Then  the  reality  of  the  divine  religions  shall  be- 
come resplendent  and  refulgent,  indicating  the  fact  that  all  the  divine 
religions  were  meant  to  be  the  cause  of  unity  and  love,  and  all  heavenly 
bestowals  have  ever  been  conferring  light  upon  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  64. 

We  shall,  therefore,  offer  supplication  to  the  threshold  of  God,  so  that 
perchance  a  great  love  may  take  possession  of  the  hearts  of  men  and  unite 
the  nations  of  the  world ;  that  the  standards  of  international  peace  may  be 
hoisted  and  that  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  may  be  promulgated. 
This  American  democracy  may  be  the  first  nation  to  hoist  the  banner  of 
international  peace;  through  your  efforts  all  this  is  possible  and  feasible. 

May  it  be  the  first  nation  to  promulgate  the  universality  of  mankind! 
May  it  be  the  first  nation  to  upraise  the  banner  of  the  Most  Great  Peace, 
until  these  philanthropic  institutions,  through  this  democracy,  this  nation, 
may  be  spread  broadcast  throughout  the  world.  Truly,  this  is  a  great 
nation.  Liberty  has  reached  its  utmost  degree.  It  is  a  revered  nation. 
The  intentions  are  all  good;  they  are  indeed  worthy  of  being  the  people  to 
raise  the  tabernacle  of  this  great  peace  and  to  hoist  the  standard  of  the 
oneness  of  humanity.  I  supplicate  to  God  and  I  will  ask  aid  and  con- 
firmation in  your  behalf.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  3,  p.  9. 

*  *  *  In  the  Orient  I  heard  that  there  are  many  peace  loving  people 
in  America.  I  left  my  native  land  to  associate  here  with  those  who  are 
the  standard  bearers  of  international  peace.  Having  traveled  from  coast 
to  coast,  I  find  America  a  continent  vast  and  progressive,  the  government 
just,  the  nation  noble.  *  *  * 

I  attended  many  gatherings  where  international  peace  was  discussed 
and  am  extremely  happy  to  witness  the  results  of  these  meetings,  for  one 
of  the  great  teachings  of  Baha'o'llah  relates  to  international  peace.  He 
founded  and  taught  this  principle  fifty  years  ago  in  the  Orient.  He  pro- 
claimed universal  peace  among  the  nations;  He  summoned  the  people  to 
establish  universal  peace  among  the  various  religions;  He  organized  peace 
among  many  races,   communities  and   sects.     At  that   time  He  wrote 


190  COMPILATION 

epistles  to  all  the  rulers  and  kings  of  the  world  and  summoned  them  to 
cooperate  with  Him  in  spreading  these  principles,  saying  that  humanity 
would  not  attain  composure  and  rest  save  thru  universal  peace.  And 
He  practiced  the  principle  in  Persia.  And  therefore,  today  there  are 
people  of  various  religions  and  races  in  Persia  and  elsewhere,  souls  who 
followed  the  exhortations  of  Baha'o'Uah,  living  together  in  the  utmost 
love  and  fellowship,  with  no  religious  prejudice,  no  patriotic  prejudice, 
no  sectarian  prejudice.  Mohammedan,  Roman  Catholic,  Jew,  Buddhist, 
followers  of  Zoroaster,  and  all  others  live  in  unity  and  agreement. 

Now,  America  has  arisen  to  spread  the  teachings  of  peace,  for  the  illumi- 
nation of  mankind  and  for  bestowing  happiness  and  prosperity  on  all  the 
children  of  men.  These  are  the  principles  of  divine  civilization.  America 
is  a  noble  nation,  a  standard  bearer  of  peace  throughout  the  world,  shedding 
her  light  to  all  regions.  Foreign  nations  are  not  untrammeled  and  free  of 
intrigues  like  the  United  States,  and  are  unable  to  bring  about  universal 
peace.  But  America,  thank  God,  is  at  peace  with  all  the  world  and  is 
worthy  of  raising  the  flag  of  brotherhood  and  international  peace.  When 
the  summons  to  international  peace  is  raised  by  America  all  the  rest  of  the 
world  will  cry,  "Yes,  we  accept!" 

The  nations  of  every  clime  will  join  in  adopting  the  teachings  of  Baha- 
'o'Uah, revealed  over  fifty  years  ago.  In  His  epistles  He  asked  the  parlia- 
ments of  the  world  to  send  their  wisest  and  best  men  to  an  international 
world  parliament,  that  should  decide  all  questions  between  the  peoples 
and  establish  universal  peace.  The  last  court  of  appeal,  and  the  Parliament 
of  Man  long  dreamed  of  by  the  poets,  would  be  realized.  It  would  be 
much  more  far  reaching  than  The  Hague  Tribunal.  *  *  *  When  we  have 
the  inter-parliamentary  body,  composed  of  delegates  from  all  the  nations 
of  the  world,  devoted  to  maintaining  universal  peace  and  good-will,  then 
we  will  have  the  Parliament  of  Man,  of  which  the  poets  have  dreamed. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  6,  p.  81. 

Because  the  Californians  seem  to  be  so  peace  loving  and  possessed  of 
such  great  worth  and  capacity,  I  hope  that  peace  advocates  among  them 
may  daily  increase  in  number,  until  the  whole  population  shall  stand  for 
peace.  May  the  men  of  affairs  in  this  democracy  uphold  the  standard 
of  peace.  Thus  may  these  altruistic  thoughts  radiate  from  this  center 
toward  all  other  regions  of  the  earth  and  may  this  glory  exist  forever  for 
this  country.  May  the  first  flag  of  universal  peace  be  upraised  in  this  state. 
May  the  first  illumination  of  reality  shine  gloriously  on  this  soil.  May 
this  center  become  distinguished  in  all  degrees,  for  the  virtues  of  humanity 
and  possibilities  of  advancement  are  boundless.  There  is  no  end  to  them 
and  whatever  be  the  degree  to  which  humanity  may  attain  there  are 
always  degrees  beyond. 

There  is  no  phenomenon  in  the  contingent  realm  of  which  it  can  be 
said,  "Beyond  this  state  of  being  and  perfection  there  is  no  other,"  or 
"This  has  achieved  the  superlative  degree."  No  matter  how  perfect  it 
may  appear  to  be  there  is  still  a  greater  degree  of  attainment  to  be  reached. 
Hence,  no  matter  how  much  humanity  may  advance  there  are  higher  de- 
grees to  be  attained,  because  virtues  are  unlimited.     There  is  an  end  for 


ABDUL  BAHA  191 

everything  save  virtues  and  although  this  country  has  achieved  extra- 
ordinary progress  I  hope  that  its  attainment  may  be  even  greater,  for  the 
divine  bounties  are  unHmited.  Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  5,  p.  259. 

*  *  *  The  continent  of  America  is  most  progressive.  The  means  of 
instructions  are  prepared;  the  educational  institutions  are  thoroughly 
equipped  and  the  pupils  are  being  systematically  trained  and  educated. 
The  wealth  is  on  an  upward  tendency.  Its  government  is  democratic. 
Its  advancement  is  unceasing.  Its  nation  is  hospitable.  Its  people  are 
loyal,  energetic  and  noble.  Its  inhabitants  are  free  and  the  lovers  of 
liberty.  Its  men  are  civilized  and  its  women  are  cultured,  refined  and 
idealistic.  On  the  other  hand,  all  these  advantages  are  on  the  material 
plane  and  I  observe  the  majority  of  the  people  are  submerged  in  the  sea 
of  materialism  and  agnosticism.  The  natural  civilization  is  well  nigh 
perfect;  but  it  is  in  need  of  the  civilization  of  heaven  —  divine  civilization. 
"What  do  you  mean  by  divine  civilization?" 

Divine  civilization  is  the  light.  Material  civilization  is  the  lamp. 
Material  civilization  is  the  body:  in  itself  it  is  not  sufficient  and  humanity 
from  every  standpoint  stands  in  sore  need  of  divine  civilization.  Natural 
civilization  insures  material  welfare  and  prosperity.  Divine  civilization 
vouchsafes  man  ideal  virtues.  Material  civilization  serves  the  physical 
world;  divine  civilization  serves  the  world  of  morality.  Divine  civiliza- 
tion is  a  symposium  of  the  perfections  of  the  world  of  humanity. 
Divine  civilization  is  the  improvement  of  the  ethical  life  of  a  nation. 
Divine  civilization  is  the  discovery  of  the  reality  of  phenomena.  Divine 
civilization  is  the  spiritual  philosophy.  Divine  civilization  is  the  knowledge 
of  God  with  rational  and  intellectual  evidences.  Divine  civilization  is 
eternal  life.  Divine  civilization  is  the  immortality  of  the  soul.  Divine 
civilization  is  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Divine  civilization  is  heavenly 
wisdom.  Divine  civilization  is  the  reality  of  all  the  teachings  of  the 
ancient  prophets.  Divine  civilization  is  universal  peace  and  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity. 

The  holy  Manifestations  of  God  have  been  the  founders  of  divine 
civilization  and  the  first  teachers  of  mankind  and  the  spreaders  of  the 
fragrances  of  holiness  and  sanctity  amongst  the  children  of  men. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  4,  p.  206. 

*  *  *  Praise  be  to  God,  this  American  democracy  presents  capacity 
showing  forth  their  readiness  to  become  the  flag-bearer  of  the  Most  Great 
Peace.  May  they  be  the  hosts  of  the  oneness  of  humanity.  May  they 
serve  the  threshold  of  God  and  spread  that  which  is  the  good  pleasure  of 
God! 

Prayer 

O  Thou  Kind  Lord!  This  gathering  is  turning  to  Thee.  The  hearts 
are  radiant  through  Thy  love.  The  thoughts  and  the  spirits  are  exhil- 
arated through  Thy  glad  tidings. 

O  God!  Let  this  American  democracy  become  glorious  in  spiritual 
degrees  even  as  it  has  aspired  to  the  material  degrees,  and  render  this  just 
government  victorious. 


192  COMPILATION 

Confirm  this  revered  nation  to  hoist  the  standard  of  the  oneness  of 
humanity;  to  promulgate  the  Most  Great  Peace;  to  become  thereby 
most  glorious  and  praiseworthy  among  all  the  nations  of  the  world. 

0  God !  This  American  nation  is  worthy  of  Thy  favors  and  is  deserving 
of  Thy  mercy. 

Make  it  near,  dear  to  Thee,  through  Thy  bounty  and  bestowal! 

Abdul  Baha.     Wisdom  Talks,  April  30,   1912. 

1  am  ever  anticipating  joyous  news  from  America,  wishing  that  all  the 
newspapers  and  journals  might  write  of  the  Bahais  in  the  following  terms: 

These  people  are  distinguished  in  all  qualities;  they  have  pure  inten- 
tions; they  are  truthful  to  all  humanity;  they  are  trustworthy;  they 
exercise  kindness  toward  all  mankind,  and  with  heart  and  soul  and  life 
they  are  engaged  in  service.  They  depend  upon  God,  they  are  severed 
from  attachments  of  this  world,  albeit  they  are  all  engaged  in  some  pro- 
fession or  work.  They  serve  real  civilization;  in  reality  they  are  civilized 
people.  They  fear  nothing  whatever;  night  and  day  their  thoughtful 
attention  is  devoted  to  philanthropic  deeds;  they  wish  no  harm  to  any 
one,  and  they  do  not  annoy  any  one.  They  put  forth  efforts  in  general 
philanthropy.  Their  greatest  and  highest  desire  is  that  bias  may  be  re- 
moved from  among  the  nations  and  sects  of  the  world;  that  all  mankind 
may  be  united  with  each  other;  that  all  wars  and  battles  may  be  abolished 
from  among  the  nations  and  powers  of  the  world;  that  the  standard  of 
universal  peace  or  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  be  raised;  that  estrange- 
ment may  cease  entirely;  that  no  religious  fanaticism,  racial  or  patriotic 
bias  shall  exist,  for  all  are  the  creatures  of  God,  and  all  are  the  signs  of  the 
power  of  God. 

All  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  belong  to  one  nativity;  they  are  all 
members  of  the  human  race  and  divisions  of  one  nation.  Differences  are 
caused  by  superstitions. 

For  example:  Germany  and  France  are  one  country,  but  the  division 
is  made  by  an  imaginary  line.  These  two  parts  of  one  continent  have 
become  differentiated  or  separated;  one  is  known  as  Germany  and  one 
as  France,  and  with  the  greatest  enmity  have  they  arisen  against  one 
another,  whereas  they  belong  to  the  same  fatherland  and  to  the  same 
race. 

In  short,  we  hope  that  the  beloved  of  God  may  raise  the  standard  of 
the  solidarity  of  mankind  in  the  center  of  the  world;  that  all  nations  will 
unite  and  agree,  gather  together  under  the  blessed  banner  attaining  to  the 
happiness  of  the  world  and  the  Kingdom. 

Abdul  Baha.     A  Heavenly  Feast,  p.  7. 

Convey  the  utmost  kindness  to  the  friends  and  say:  I  have  crossed 
half  of  the  arc  of  the  globe,  till  I  reached  America.  My  aim  was  that  you 
may  become  awakened  and  mindful;  perchance  through  the  favor  and 
bounty  of  God  you  may  turn  your  faces  toward  the  Kingdom. 

Praise  be  to  God  that  you  are  attentive.  However,  it  is  my  hope  that 
you  may  become  the  brilliant  lamps  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  lights 
of  the  oneness  of  humanity  may  dawn  through  you;  that  you  may  arise  to 


ABDUL  BAHA  193 

serve  the  people  of  the  world;  that  you  may  be  the  means  of  binding  to- 
gether the  hearts  of  men;  that  you  may  hoist  the  banner  of  international 
peace,  so  that  you  may  all  attain  to  the  greatest  virtues  of  the  world  of 
humanity,  that  your  attention  to  God  may  be  uninterrupted;  that  you 
may  receive  the  bestowals  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  you  may  become  purified, 
sanctified,  and  the  Kingdom  of  God  may  become  established  for  eternity. 
Abdul  Baha.     Message  to  Friends  in  Atlantic  City,  Nov.  21,  1912. 

*  *  *  Therefore,  O  ye  companions  of  Abdul  Baha,  display  ye  an  eflFort, 
so  that  ye  may  make  that  region  (America)  the  paradise  of  Abha,  hoisting 
the  banner  of  the  Most  Great  Peace  and  spreading  the  teachings  of 
the  beauty  of  Abha;  so  that  the  slumberous  world  become  awakened,  the 
unconscious  become  mindful,  the  universe  become  another  universe,  the 
human  world  become  the  realm  of  the  Kingdom,  earthly  emotions  become 
heavenly  attractions,  cruelty  and  oppression  be  changed  into  love  and 
faithfulness,  the  clattering  of  the  sword  be  transformed  into  the  sweet 
melody  of  the  pen  and  the  discordant  sound  of  war  become  the  wonderful 
song  of  love  and  intelligence;  in  order  that  all  the  individuals  of  humanity 
embrace  each  other  and  live  among  themselves  in  perfect  love  and  affinity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Tablets,  Vol.  3,  p.  559. 

When  the  ship  was  abreast  the  Statue  of  Liberty,  standing  erect  and 
facing  it,  Abdul  Baha  held  his  arms  wide  apart  in  salutation  and  said: 

There  is  the  new  world's  symbol  of  liberty  and  freedom.  After  being 
forty  years  a  prisoner  I  can  tell  you  that  freedom  is  not  a  matter  of  place. 
It  is  a  condition.  Unless  one  accept  dire  vicissitudes  he  will  not  attain. 
When  one  is  released  from  the  prison  of  self,  that  is  indeed  a  release. 

Then  waving  adieu  to  the  Statue  of  Liberty,  he  continued: 

In  former  ages  it  has  been  said,  "To  love  one's  native  land  is  faith," 
but  the  tongue  in  this  day  says:  "Glory  is  not  his  who  loves  his  native 
land,  but  glory  is  his  who  loves  his  kind "  —  humanity.  *  *  * 

*  *  *  The  ship  now  pointed  its  nose  up  the  North  River,  and  gazing 
in  a  look  of  bewildered  amazement  at  the  rugged  sky  line  of  the  lower  city, 
formed  by  the  downtown  sky-scrapers,  Abdul  Baha  said,  pointing  at  the 
towering  buildings: 

These  are  the  minarets  of  Western  World  commerce  and  industry,  and 
seem  to  stretch  these  things  heavenward  in  an  endeavor  to  bring  about 
this  universal  peace  for  which  we  are  all  working,  for  the  good  of  the  nation 
and  mankind  in  general. 

The  bricks  make  the  house,  and  if  the  bricks  are  bad,  the  house  will 
not  stand  as  these  do.  It  is  necessary  for  individuals  to  become  as  good 
bricks,  to  eradicate  from  themselves  race  and  religious  hatred,  greed  and 
a  limited  patriotism,  so  that,  whether  they  find  themselves  guiding  the 
government  or  founding  a  home,  the  result  of  their  eflForts  may  be  peace 
and  prosperity,  love  and  happiness. 

Abdul  Baha.     Star,  Vol.  3,  No.  3,  p.  3. 

O  Thou  kind  Lord!  Thou  hast  created  all  humanity  from  the  same 
original  parents.     Thou  hast  destined  that  all  shall  belong  to  the  same 


194  COMPILATION 

household  and  in  Thy  holy  presence  they  are  all  Thy  servants  and  all  man- 
kind are  sheltered  beneath  Thy  tabernacle.  All  have  gathered  together 
at  Thy  table  of  bounty,  all  are  radiant  through  the  light  of  Thy  providence. 

O  God!  Thou  art  kind  to  all,  Thou  hast  provided  for  all,  Thou  dost 
shelter  all.  Thou  conferest  life  upon  all.  Thou  hast  endowed  each  and  all 
with  talents  and  faculties  and  all  are  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  Thy  mercy. 

O  Thou  kind  Lord,  unite  all!  Let  all  the  religions  agree.  Make  all  the 
nations  one,  so  that  all  may  see  one  another  as  one  kind,  the  denizens  of  the 
same  land.  May  they  all  associate  with  one  another  with  perfect  amity 
and  unity. 

O  God!  Hoist  the  banner  of  the  oneness  of  humankind.  O  God! 
Establish  the  Most  Great  Peace!  Cement  Thou,  O  God,  the  hearts  to- 
gether. 

O  Thou  kind  Father,  God!  Exhilarate  the  hearts  through  Thy  frag- 
rance of  love;  brighten  the  eyes  through  the  light  of  Thy  guidance;  cheer 
the  hearing  of  all  with  the  melody  of  Thy  Word  and  shelter  us  all  in  the 
cave  of  Thy  providence. 

Thou  art  the  mighty  and  powerful!  Thou  art  the  forgiving  and  Thou 
art  the  One  who  overlookest  the  shortcomings  of  all  humankind ! 

Abdul  Baha.     Wisdom  Talks,  p.  22. 

TABLET  TO  PERSIA  —  1917 
Commune  Read  by  the  Friends  of  God  in  Persia 

Thou  seest  me,  O  my  God,  on  this  lofty  mountain,  the  sublime  and 
supreme  threshold,  the  shelter  of  every  great  one  and  the  refuge  of  all  the 
glorious  and  noble.  Verily,  the  youths  whose  hearts  were  burning  with 
the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  in  the  past  ages  have  taken  shelter  therein,  the 
meeting-place  of  the  prophets,  the  refuge  of  His  Holiness  Elijah,  the 
shelter  of  Isaiah.  The  Spirit  of  God,  Jesus  the  Christ  (upon  Him  be 
greeting  and  praise !)  passed  over  this  mountain,  in  the  supreme  threshold, 
pressed  by  the  feet  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

O  Lord,  this  is  a  mountain  to  which  Thou  hast  given  the  name  Carmel 
in  the  Torah,  and  Thou  hast  attributed  it  to  Thyself  in  the  innermost 
heart  of  the  Tablets  and  scriptures. 

O  Lord,  verily,  I  invoke  Thee  on  this  supreme  threshold,  under  the 
wing  of  the  gloomy  nights;  pray  to  Thee  with  throbbing  heart  and  flowing 
tears,  implore  Thee,  supplicate  between  Thy  hands  and  cry:  O  my  Lord, 
verily,  the  fire  of  battles  is  raging  in  the  valleys,  hills,  and  streams,  and  the 
fire  of  war  is  burning  even  under  the  seas  and  high  in  the  air  in  destruction 
and  devastation.  The  earth  is  enveloped  by  its  own  fires  and  the  seas  are 
encompassed  by  its  own  storms,  thunderbolts  and  floods. 

O  Lord,  the  souls  are  stifling,  the  death  rattle  is  in  their  throat,  the 
earth  quakes  and  has  become  so  small  that  even  the  birds  are  frightened 
in  their  nests  and  the  animals  terrified  in  their  lairs  and  caves. 

We  hear  only  the  sighs  of  the  maidens  and  the  cries  of  the  orphans, 
the  moaning  of  the  mothers,  the  tears  of  the  fathers  because  of  false  reports. 
We  see  only  tears  flowing  from  every  bereaved  mother,  and  the  heart  of 
every   father,   bereft   of   sons,   burning.     Towns   are   being   devastated. 


ABDUL  BAHA  195 

people  are  perishing,  the  children  are  made  orphans  and  the  women  are 
becoming  widows.  This  is  only  })ecause  of  our  heedlessness  of  Thy  com- 
memoration and  our  deprivation  of  Thy  love.  Verily,  we  have  been  occu- 
pied with  ourselves.  The  intoxication  of  passion  seized  us;  we  have  taken 
the  road  of  heedlessness  and  blindness;  have  abandoned  the  path  of  guid- 
ance and  have  chosen  the  path  of  obstinacy  and  forgotten  the  command- 
ments of  the  ancient  scriptures.  We  have  forsaken  the  exhortations  in 
the  preserved  tablets  and  parchments  —  the  great  verses. 

O  my  Lord !  O  my  Lord !  I  confess  and  acknowledge  the  sins.  Verily, 
every  dark  calamity  and  every  hard  ordeal  has  surrounded  us  by  our  own 
hands  in  this  transient  world.  O  Lord,  verily,  the  minds  are  astounded, 
the  souls  are  repelled,  and  there  remains  only  blackened  faces,  deaf  ears, 
speechless  tongues  and  hearts  heedless  of  Thy  commemoration,  filled  with 
human  passions  and  desires. 

O  Lord,  Thou  hast  said  in  Thy  manifest  book  and  in  Thy  great  glad- 
tidings,  with  explicit  statement:  "God  does  not  change  that  which  a  people 
have,  until  they  change  what  is  within  themselves."  "And  when  they 
forgot  God,  He  made  them  forget  themselves." 

O  my  Lord,  verily,  the  nations  have  gone  too  deep  into  the  fields  of 
battle  and  struggle.  Nothing  will  check  this  sweeping  torrent  and  this 
grinding  war  but  Thy  mercy,  which  has  encompassed  that  which  was  and  is. 

O  Lord,  do  not  deal  with  us  according  to  our  oflFenses,  and  forgive  our 
sins  and  trespasses.  Imperfections  are  the  characteristics  of  everything 
possible  of  creation  in  the  arena  of  Thy  world.  And  to  Thy  forgiveness 
and  pardon  Thou  hast  accustomed  every  one  in  existence. 

O  Lord,  only  favor  and  mercy  to  every  sinner,  who  has  fallen  into  the 
pit  of  degradation  and  wretchedness,  is  befitting  to  divinity,  and  only 
by  the  imperfections  of  servitude  will  the  perfections  of  divinity  become 
manifest.  O  Lord,  verily,  the  brilliant  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  are  the 
removers  of  the  utter  darkness  and  the  pure  water  cleanses  the  foulness 
and  the  sorrow  of  the  world. 

O  my  Lord,  verily,  the  sins  are  bubbling  foam  and  a  full  ocean  is  Thy 
mercy.  Trespasses  are  bitter  trees  and  Thy  pardon  is  a  fire  whose  flame 
is  intense. 

O  my  Lord,  remove  the  veil,  scatter  this  dense  cloud  on  the  horizon, 
extinguish  these  fires,  subdue  this  flood,  in  order  to  staunch  the  bloodshed, 
as  compassion  to  the  widows  and  mercy  to  the  orphans;  that  these  hurri- 
canes may  cease,  the  thunderbolts  be  exting-uished,  the  torrents  quelled, 
the  land  become  visible,  the  souls  find  composure  and  the  breasts  be 
dilated.  And  we  will  thank  Thee  for  Thine  abundant  favor,  O  Thou  dear! 
O  Thou  forgiver! 

O  my  Lord,  verily.  Thou  hast  clearly  stated  in  the  tablets  and  scrip- 
tures that,  had  the  ordinances  fallen  on  solid  rock,  rivers  would  have 
gushed  forth,  and  it  had  crumbled  to  pieces  from  fear  of  the  Dear,  the 
Powerful.  But  the  hearts  are  harder  than  the  rocks  and  the  souls  are 
in  heedlessness  and  pride.  The  people  of  heedlessness  do  not  profit  by  the 
verses  and  exhortations. 

O  my  Lord,  verily,  Thine  exhortations  are  celebrated  and  have  been 
spread  broadcast,  in  the  East  and  the  West  of  the  earth.     Thou  hast 


196  COMPILATION 

called  to  love  and  harmony  and  to  forsake  discord  in  all  regions,  so  that 
the  East  of  the  earth  may  embrace  the  West;  the  people  of  the  desert  may 
embrace  the  people  of  the  city;  their  scattered  members  become  reunited 
and  the  lost  ones  be  gathered  together;  that  the  darkness  of  the  earth  may 
pass  away  and  its  light  shine  forth.  But  the  eyes  and  the  inner  sight  have 
become  blind,  the  ears  deaf,  the  hearts  hardened  and  the  susceptibilities 
like  rocks  and  stones.  The  minds  and  intellects  are  confused.  Souls 
have  forgotten  the  explicit  teachings  of  the  Book,  Thou  hast  promised 
them  for  punishment.  Thus  they  have  merited  severe  punishment  and 
deserve  the  sentence  of  torment. 

O  Lord,  forgive  our  sins  and  stumbling.  Make  us  not  an  example 
for  the  possessors  of  insight.  Guide  us  to  the  straight  path,  so  that  we 
may  awake  from  the  slumber  of  passion  and  be  saved  from  heedlessness 
and  blindness.  Deliver  us,  O  Lord  of  verses,  from  the  abyss  of  passions 
and  preserve  us  from  errors. 

O  my  Lord,  verily,  we  have  forgotten  faithfulness  and  are  enjoying 
unfaithfulness.  With  the  people  of  oppression  and  vice  we  are  associating. 
There  is  no  deliverer  for  us  save  Thee.  There  is  no  answerer  save  Thee. 
There  is  no  refuge  save  Thee.  Verily,  we  have  trusted  in  Thee  and  we 
lay  our  affairs  in  Thy  hands.  Deal  with  us  according  to  Thy  favor  and 
pardon  and  punish  us  not  according  to  Thy  justice  and  wrath.  Verily, 
Thou  art  the  compassionate!  Verily,  Thou  art  the  pardoner  and,  verily, 
Thou  art  the  forgiver! 

O  my  Lord,  verily,  the  people  of  righteousness  and  goodness  and  the 
communities  of  freedom  in  every  country  are  turning  to  Thee,  at  dusk  and 
dawn;  supplicating  between  Thy  hands  during  the  wing  of  the  night  and 
in  the  dew  of  the  morn,  lamenting  as  a  bereaved  mother  laments  during 
the  grievous  nights,  burning  with  the  fire  of  sorrow,  yearning  and  separa- 
tion. They  are  longing  for  Thy  meeting  even  with  laceration  of  soul,  as 
they  traverse  the  dunes  and  the  hills  and  cross  the  valleys  and  the  heights. 
But  these  wars  that  demolish  mountains  have  interfered  so  that  news  has 
ceased  and  the  doors  are  closed. 

O  Lord,  comfort  them  in  their  loneliness;  deliver  them  from  their 
terror  and  guide  them  in  their  affairs. 

O  my  Lord,  Thou  knowest  my  sighs,  my  cries  and  my  anguish,  the 
burning  pain  because  of  their  separation;  my  great  longing  for  their 
meeting;  my  yearning  for  their  love;  my  desire  for  their  remembrance 
and  my  anxiety  to  see  them.  Day  and  night  their  remembrance  is  my 
treasure  and  my  roses.  When  night  comes,  my  heart  loves  the  memory 
of  their  illuminated  faces.  I  yearn  for  them  as  the  nightingale  yearns 
for  the  beautiful  meadows. 

O  my  Lord,  open  the  doors,  prepare  for  us  the  means,  render  the  path 
safe  and  pave  the  way,  so  that  the  sincere  ones  may  be  reunited  in  the 
lofty  meetings;  the  attracted  ones  gathered  together  in  Thy  commemora- 
tion in  the  great  assemblies,  to  speak  among  the  people  of  Thy  bestowals 
and  taste  of  the  honeycomb  of  Thy  meeting.  Then  the  breezes  of  acceptance 
will  reach  them  and  they  will  be  swayed  thereby  as  if  intoxicated  by  wine. 

Verily,  Thou  art  the  powerful,  the  dear,  the  giver,  and,  verily,  Thou  art 
the  generous,  the  compassionate,  the  chosen  one.      Abdul  Baha.     1917. 


ADDENDA 

All  great  movements  have  advanced  thru  altruism,  selflessness  and 
self-sacrifice,  and  not  thru  the  interchange  of  public  opinion. 

It  is  my  hope  that  all  of  us,  with  the  greatest  power,  may  arise  to  serve 
this  most  important  cause  —  universal  peace  —  and  become  the  means  of 
the  welfare  of  the  world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  12,  1913. 

In  this  age  the  college  which  is  dominated  by  a  denominational  spirit 
is  an  anomaly,  and  is  engaged  in  a  losing  fight.  It  cannot  long  withstand 
the  victorious  forces  of  liberalism  in  education.  The  Universities  and 
Colleges  of  the  world  must  hold  fast  to  three  cardinal  principles.  First: 
Whole-hearted  service  to  the  cause  of  education,  the  unfolding  of  the 
mysteries  of  nature,  the  extension  of  the  boundaries  of  pure  science,  the 
elimination  of  the  causes  of  ignorance  and  social  evils,  a  standard  universal 
system  of  instruction  and  the  diflFusion  of  the  light  of  knowledge  and 
reality.  Second:  Service  to  the  cause  of  the  students,  inspiring  them  with 
the  highest  ideals  of  ethical  refinement,  teaching  them  altruism,  inculcating 
in  their  lives  the  beauty  of  holiness  and  the  excellency  of  virtue  and  ani- 
mating them  with  the  excellencies  and  perfections  of  the  religion  of  God. 

Third:  Service  to  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity,  so  that  each 
student  may  consciously  realize  that  he  is  a  brother  to  all  mankind  ir- 
respective of  religion  or  race.  The  thoughts  of  universal  peace  must  be 
instilled  in  the  minds  of  all  the  scholars,  in  order  that  they  may  become 
the  armies  of  peace,  the  real  servants  of  the  body-politic  of  the  world. 
God  is  the  Father  of  all.  Mankind  are  His  children.  The  globe  is  one 
home.  Nations  are  the  members  of  one  family.  The  mothers  in  their 
homes,  the  teachers  in  the  schools,  the  professors  in  the  colleges,  the  presi- 
dents in  the  imiversities,  must  teach  these  ideals  to  the  young  from  the 
cradle  up  to  the  age  of  manhood. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Feb.  15,  1914. 

*  *  *  It  is  established  that  mankind  is  in  need  of  an  ideal  universal 
Instructor  in  order  to  unify  under  the  shade  of  one  Word  the  various  na- 
tionalities, causing  antagonistic  communities  to  drink  from  one  fountain, 
changing  enmity  and  hatred  into  amity  and  love  and  transforming  strife 
and  war  into  peace  and  salvation. 

In  this  manner  His  Holiness  Mohammed  —  upon  Him  be  peace  and 
greeting!  —  conciliated  together  the  various  contending,  warlike,  barbaric 
tribes  and  nomads  of  Arabia,  ushered  them  beneath  the  shade  of  the  tent 
of  agreement,  upraised  a  lofty  banner  in  the  world  of  physical  and  spirit- 
ual science  and  attained  to  the  highest  station  of  everlasting  glory. 

Likewise,  His  Holiness  Christ  —  upon  Him  be  peace!  —  gathered 
around  the  one  spring  of  unity,  the  inimical,  the  quarrelsome  and  the  war- 
ring nations  of  Greece,  Rome,  Syria,  Chaldea,  Assyria  and  Egypt,  who 
exercised  toward  each  other  the  utmost  rancor  and  contempt.  He  es- 
tablished among  them  the  ideal  bond  of  communication. 


198  COMPILATION 

The  above  instances  demonstrate  irrevocably  that  the  world  of  hu- 
manity is  in  need  of  "Universal  Teachers  and  Instructors,"  and  they  are 
the  holy,  divine  Manifestations. 

If  certain  souls  pretend  that  they  are  of  the  elect  and  not  in  need  of 
education,  it  is  similar  to  the  pretense  put  forth  by  private  soldiers  that 
they  are  skilled  and  efficient  and  do  not  need  the  instruction  of  the  General. 
It  is  evident  that  such  a  statement  is  baseless.  All  the  individuals  of  the 
army,  whether  privates  or  officers,  are  in  need  of  the  supervision  of  the 
Commander-in-chief,  who  is  the  general  instructor.  *  *  * 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Sept.  11,  1913. 

The  average  intelligent  westerner  of  today  is  not  a  Christian;  he  is 
a  secular  churchman.  Parrot-like  he  may  respect  the  teachings  as  laid 
down  by  Christ  in  the  Gospels,  but  he  will  not  be  ready  to  live  up  to  these 
commandments.  Christ  says:  "Whosoever  shall  smite  thee  on  thy  right 
cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also."  But  now  European  Christians  are 
armed  to  the  teeth,  ready  to  cut  each  other's  throats  at  the  slightest  provo- 
cation. Again  Christ  repeats  the  old  law:  "Thou  shalt  not  kill,  and  who- 
soever shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of  judgment!"  How  does  this  cor- 
respond with  the  murderous  butchery  of  the  Mohammedans  and  Christians 
in  the  late  war  between  Turkey  and  the  Balkan  allies,  who  in  turn  fell 
upon  each  other  as  soon  as  they  put  their  so-called  common  enemy  hors- 
de-combat.''  Again  Christ  says:  "Blessed  are  the  peace-makers,  for  they 
shall  be  called  the  children  of  God."  How  does  this  agree  with  the  in- 
trigues of  politicians,  the  machinations  of  the  diplomatists  behind  the 
closed  doors  of  their  chancelleries  and  the  constant  incitement  of  the  press 
with  their  pseudo-patriotism,  and  the  Continent  of  Europe  becoming  one 
vast,  dangerous  arsenal,  for  the  combustion  of  which  only  one  spark  is 
necessary  to  start  a  world  consuming  conflagration? 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Feb.  12,  1914. 

The  future  of  Germany  is  very  bright.  The  German  people  on  the 
whole  are  religious.  They  are  very  noble  and  progressive.  The  Cause  of 
God  Mill  advance  among  such  a  good-hearted  people.  The  star  of  the 
religion  of  Baha'o'llah  will  rise  resplendent  from  the  horizon  of  that  coun- 
try. The  banner  of  universal  peace  will  wave  over  the  German  people, 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Oct.  16,  1914. 

Speaking  of  the  war  between  Greece  and  Bulgaria: 

There  is  no  benefit  in  this  human  butchery,  this  spoliation,  this  de- 
struction ! 

Mankind  must  learn  the  lesson  of  peace;  they  must  be  instructed  in 
the  school  of  love. 

What  is  this  insanity!  What  is  this  fratricide!  What  is  this  ruth- 
lessness!  Away  with  the  nightmare  of  war!  Banish  the  thought  of  strife 
and  sedition !  Are  we  not  brothers?  Are  we  not  the  children  of  one  father? 
Are  we  not  the  sheep  of  one  shepherd?  How  long  this  blindness!  How 
long  this  military  lunacy! 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  July  3,  1913. 


ADDENDA  199 

O  ye  friends  and  maid-servants  of  the  Merciful!  Your  letter  was  re- 
ceived. Its  contents  conformed  with  the  reality,  for  it  was  the  song  of 
the  heart  and  of  the  spirit  and  the  sweet  melody  of  the  soul  and  conscious- 
ness. You  have  expressed  the  hope  that  in  this  radiant  century  you  may 
become  confirmed  in  the  service  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity 
and  the  promoters  of  universal  peace.  This  hope  is  acceptable  at  the 
threshold  of  the  Almighty,  and  this  intention  is  the  most  great  intention. 
Perseverance  and  steadfastness  in  every  aim  will  ultimately  bring  about 
its  fulfillment  and  realization. 

Abdul  Bah  a.     Extract  of  Tablet  to  Racine  Assembly. 

In  a  similar  manner  all  of  us  must  banish  from  the  spheres  of  our  minds 
all  the  names,  mentions  and  thoughts  save  Baha.  To  know  and  recognize 
Baha  and  His  commands:  this  is  our  heavenly  power;  this  is  the  confir- 
mation of  the  Kingdom;  this  is  the  cause  of  our  spiritual  attraction,  and 
this  is  conducive  to  our  everlasting  glory.  I  declare  by  God  nothing  else 
will  benefit  us.  It  is  the  source  of  our  salvation  in  the  other  world  and 
the  motive  of  our  honor  in  this  world. 

As  each  one  of  you  present  in  this  meeting  returns  to  his  respective 
home  let  him  carry  away  these  words  with  him  and  speak  about  them  to 
the  believers,  so  that  all  the  friends,  with  one  heart,  one  resolution,  one 
spirituality,  one  attraction  and  one  spirit  may  arise  in  the  service  of  the 
Cause;  unfurl  the  flag  of  brotherhood,  diffuse  the  rays  of  the  sun  of  uni- 
versal peace,  plant  the  new  seeds  of  heavenly  civilization,  scatter  the  teach- 
ings of  the  unity  of  religions,  dispel  the  darkness  of  dogmas,  declare  the 
glad-tidings  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  uplift  the  children 
of  men  from  the  depths  of  despair.  Let  the  watchword  of  the  believers 
be  love:  love  of  God  and  love  of  man. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  March  7,  1914. 

Let  all  the  mysteries  be  sacrificed  to  the  mystery  of  Baha,  and  all  the 
secrets  be  ransomed  to  the  secret  of  Baha. 

The  mystery  or  the  secret  of  Baha  is  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  hu- 
manity, universal  love,  benevolence  and  mercy  toward  the  broken-hearted 
ones,  sympathy  with  the  do\Mi-trodden,  peace  and  welfare  among  all  the 
children  of  men,  the  breath  of  the  Merciful,  attraction  of  the  divine  fra- 
grances, severance  and  detachment  of  heart  to  this  mortal  world,  freedom, 
liberty  and  release  from  the  pains  and  sorrows  of  this  earthly  life.  And 
when  these  mysteries  are  fully  revealed  they  will  be  conducive  to  ever- 
lasting life.     Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  June  7,  1914. 

Verily,  those  among  the  friends  who  were  martyred  in  the  path  of 
God  —  Verily,  this  is  a  favor  from  God  which  He  bestoweth  upon  whom- 
soever He  chooseth !  Verily,  God  is  the  most  bountiful !  —  attained  what 
the  holy  ones  in  the  supreme  Kingdom  yearned  for,  and  quaffed  the  wine 
of  grace  from  the  bountiful  hand  of  thy  Lord,  the  merciful  —  may  my 
spirit  be  a  sacrifice  to  them! 

Therefore,  be  not  sorrowful,  for  it  is  a  great  bounty  for  them  and  by 
it  (martyrdom)  the  fire  of  the  love  .of  God  is  increased  in  glowing,  the  Word 


200  COMPILATION 

of  God  in  spreading,  the  standard  of  God  in  elevation,  the  fragrances  of 
God  in  diflFusion.  And  by  this  blood  the  tree  of  peace  is  watered,  the 
orchard  of  unity  and  harmony  pruned;  and  by  it  the  fragrances  of  holi- 
ness emanate  from  the  Tree  of  Life  and  are  being  diffused  in  the  world. 
Verily,  this  is  from  the  mercy  of  God  which  is  bestowed  upon  whomsoever 
He  wishes.       Abdul  Baha.     Translated  by  Ahmad  Sohrab,  Nov.  22,  1910. 

Regarding  the  rainbow:  This  rainbow  is  the  Covenant  of  God  and  the 
Testament  of  the  merciful  One.  The  lights  of  the  Kingdom  and  the 
heavenly  illumination  emanated  from  this  rainbow.  This  rainbow  is  the 
sign  of  the  removal  of  the  wrath  of  God  from  all  the  people,  and  the  sign 
of  prosperity,  tranquility,  universal  peace,  the  oneness  of  humanity  and 
the  unity  of  the  world  of  man.  I  hope  that  all  the  people  may  attain  to 
worthy  service  in  this  paradise  of  Abha,  and  finally  ascend  to  the  supreme 
Kingdom.  Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Tablet  to  J.  T.  W. 

Let  us  all  remember  we  have  traveled  over  many  countries  and  up- 
raised the  flag  of  truth  over  many  climes.  People  everywhere  listened  to 
the  words  with  great  attention,  and  the  fragrances  of  the  paradise  of  Abha 
were  spread.  Now  we  must  render  due  thanksgiving  to  the  Blessed  Per- 
fection for  He  hath  under  all  circumstances  guided  our  steps  to  promulgate 
His  words  among  mankind.  We  are  now  returning  home  after  accom- 
plishing our  work.  There  we  will  put  our  brow  at  the  "Holy  Threshold" 
and  pray  in  behalf  of  all  the  friends  throughout  the  world;  supplicating 
His  confirmation,  so  that  they  may  arise  to  diffuse  the  sweet  scent  of  His 
utterances  and  summon  all  men  to  the  standard  of  universal  peace,  brother- 
hood, divine  civilization  and  spirituality.  May  their  hearts  be  inspired 
with  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  powers  of  the  Kingdom  of  Abha! 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  Dec.  2,  1913. 

It  is  impossible  to  reaUze  the  grandeur  and  spiritual  significance  of 
these  peerless  days!  God  is  establishing  in  the  hearts  of  men  His  King- 
dom of  peace  and  good-will.  Blessed  are  those  who  have  taken  part  in  this 
glorious  work. 

Abdul  Baha.     Extract  from  Ahmad's  Diary,  March  10,  1914. 


EXCERPTS 

FROM 

MYSTERIOUS  FORCES  OF  CIVILIZATION 

Written  in  Persian  by  an  eminent  Bahai  Philosopher  in  1875 


It  is  indeed  evident  to  all  men  of  discernment  that  at  this  time  the 
world-illumining  majesty  of  the  Shah  has  determined  to  encourage  the 
progress,  comfort  and  culture  of  the  inhabitants  of  Persia;  and  the  build- 
ing and  peopling  of  their  cities.  He  has  resolved  to  deliver  judgment  in 
an  equitable  spirit,  so  that  by  the  light  of  justice  he  may  make  Persia  the 
envy  of  the  kingdoms  of  the  East  and  West,  and  to  restore  the  fragrance 
of  her  former  excellent  ages,  and  the  joy  of  life  to  the  veins  and  arteries  of 
her  people.  Therefore  it  seemed  well  to  this  servant,  out  of  the  fullness 
of  his  gratitude,  and  for  the  love  of  God,  to  set  forth  in  writing  the  mani- 
fold benefits  of  his  great  goodness. 

And  this  servant  has  withheld  his  name  that  this  purpose  should  be 
made  manifest,  and  that  it  should  be  made  clear  that  he  possessed  no 
desire  but  the  good  of  all. 

But  knowing  that  virtue  is  proven  by  just  deeds,  he  offers,  as  a  faithful 
servant  of  God,  these  few  words  of  exhortation  to  the  sons  of  his  native 
land.  Pp.  14-15. 

Therefore  must  we  gird  up  the  vesture  of  ambition  round  the  loins  of 
enthusiasm,  and  earnestly  strive  to  seize  the  just  causes  of  comfort,  peace, 
happiness,  knowledge,  culture,  art,  honour,  glory,  for  the  benefit  of  all, 
and  to  show  unto  men  the  right  path  to  the  summit  of  true  dignity.  So 
that  the  bright  land  of  human  faculty  fertilized  by  the  pure  water  of  sin- 
cere intention  and  the  limpid  river  of  endeavour,  may  flourish  and  be- 
come verdant  with  the  fragrant  herbs  of  personal  virtue,  and  the  smiling 
flowers  of  open  praise.  And  that  the  character  of  real  worth  may  prosper 
and  ripen  to  the  envy  of  the  gardens  of  ancient  science. 

May  this  blessed  land  of  Persia  become  the  place  of  manifesting  human 
qualities  in  all  their  degrees,  and  may  the  mirror  which  reflects  the  world 
become  a  mirror  reflecting  civilization.  Pp.  12-13. 

"Should  we  not,  indeed,  save  the  whole  body  of  soldiers,  who  risk  their 
lives  on  many  occasions  of  peril  in  the  service  of  the  government  and  the 
nation,  from  the  greatness  of  their  poverty,  and  from  sore  oppression,  and 
endeavour  to  ameliorate  their  lot  and  to  improve  their  rations,  uniforms 
and  dwellings,  and  strive  to  teach  their  officers  the  art  of  war  and  to  be 
prepared  for  battle? 

"Should  we  not  provide  them  with  firearms  and  ammunition,  and  can 
we  be  blamed  for  our  desire  to  do  so.'* "  *     P.  36. 

*  In  Persia,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  regiments  under  the  command  of  Rus- 
sian officers,  there  is  practically  no  army.  The  soldiers,  who  are  to  maintain  order 
throughout  the  country,  receive  neither  clothes  nor  pay,  and  are  in  consequence  obliged 
to  have  a  trade  by  which  to  support  themselves.  Thus  most  of  the  time  they  cannot 
be  depended  upon,  except  when  they  can  derive  their  livelihood  from  plunder. 

*  *  *  An  organized  state  is  bound  to  keep  an  army;  but,  on  the  necessity  of 
suppressing  war. 


*  *  *  The  chief,  nay,  the  universal  purpose  of  estabhshing  by  great 
laws  the  principles  and  foundations  of  all  kinds  of  civilization,  is  the  hap- 
piness of  human  beings;  and  human  happiness  lies  in  being  near  to  the 
"Threshold  of  the  Almighty  God,"  and  in  the  well-being  of  all  persons, 
whether  of  high  or  low  station.  And  the  perfecting  of  the  morals  of  hu- 
manity are  the  chief  means  towards  those  ends.  The  outward  trappings 
of  civilization,  without  inward  moral  advancement,  may  be  likened  unto 
confused  dreams  which  cannot  be  interpreted;  and  sensual  enjoyment 
apart  from  spiritual  perfection  is  like  unto  the  mirage  which  he  that  is 
athirst  believes  to  be  water. 

For,  the  fulfilling  of  the  will  and  pleasure  of  God,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  the  peace  and  well-being  of  the  people  cannot  be  perfectly  achieved 
by  external  civilization  alone.  That  the  nations  of  Europe,  indeed,  have 
not  yet  progressed  to  any  great  height  of  moral  civilization  is  manifest 
from  the  thoughts  and  acts  of  them  all. 

Reflect,  for  example,  that  the  principal  design  of  the  various  states 
today  is  to  seize  possession  of  each  other's  territories  and  to  destroy  one 
another  and  that,  although  they  are  thus  moved  by  intense  inward  hatred, 
they  yet  make  a  great  show  and  profession  of  extreme  friendliness,  love 
and  brotherhood.  It  is  commonly  said  that  "the  king  who  makes  peace 
and  loves  reconciliation  is  aiming  more  than  those  kings  who  have  war  in 
their  hearts  at  the  building  of  huge  battleships  and  the  increase  of  military 
forces,  because  reconciliation  and  peace  cannot  be  attained  without  large 
armaments." 

Under  cloak  of  this  they  are  continually  stirring,  both  by  day  and  by 
night,  with  great  efforts  to  make  vast  provision  and  preparation  for  war. 
The  poor  people,  the  poor  subjects  of  these  kings,  those  who  gain  their 
livelihood  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow,  by  undergoing  the  hardships  of  their 
callings,  are  compelled  to  yield  up  the  greater  part  of  their  hard-won  earn- 
ings for  this  purpose,  the  accumulation  of  war  materials  and  the  training 
of  men  to  be  warlike.  How  many  thousands  of  men  there  are  who,  in- 
stead of  devoting  themselves  to  the  useful  arts  of  peace,  are  daily  employ- 
ing their  keenness  and  industry  to  the  invention  of  new  deadly  instruments 
of  war  which  are  to  be  the  means  of  shedding  the  blood  of  their  fellow 
creatures  with  greater  facility  and  profusion.  Every  day  some  such  new 
and  deadly  weapon  is  being  invented,  and  as  the  old  ones  cannot  compete 
with  the  new  the  European  governments  are  constantly  being  obliged  to 
abandon  the  older  fashioned  armaments  and  to  make  ready  new  ones.  *  *  * 
The  tremendous  expense  of  equipment  with  these  new  weapons  has  to  be 
borne  by  the  unfortunate  subjects  of  either  state. 

Now,  what  think  you?  Does  this  outward  civilization  without  the 
true  inward  civilization  give  rise  to  general  peace  and  well-being,  and  is 
it  likely  to  meet  with  the  divine  sanction  and  approval.'^  Or  is  it  the 
destroyer  of  the  highest  principles  of  humanity  and  of  the  foundations  of 
happiness  and  prosperity? 

In  the  years  1870-1871  of  the  Christian  era,  during  the  war  between 
Germany  and  France,  it  is  known  that  about  600,000  persons  were  killed 
and  wounded  in  battle.  How  many  families  were  utterly  ruined!  And 
how  many  towns,  which  in  the  evening  were  flourishing  and  prospering 
exceedingly,  in  the  morning  were  razed  to  the  ground  and  laid  waste! 
How  many  little  children  became  orphans,  and  how  many  others  lost  their 


foster-parents  and  guardians !  How  many  fathers  and  mothers  stricken  in 
years  had  to  look  on  whilst  the  fruit  of  their  loins,  their  young  sons,  were 
struggling  amidst  the  dust  and  blood  and  dying!  How  many  wives  were 
Tv-idows,  bereft  of  their  husbands  and  left  without  any  one  to  help  them! 

Who  does  not  remember  likewise  the  burning  by  the  Germans  of  many 
of  the  grand  and  magnificent  buildings  in  France,  the  destruction  of 
libraries  and  the  conflagration  of  military  hospitals  with  all  the  sick  and  in- 
jured inmates?  And  the  terrible  occurrences  that  took  place  during  the 
Commime  in  Paris,  and  the  horrible  fate  that  befell  many  of  those  who 
were  opposed  to  it? 

^Mio  does  not  remember  the  long  years  of  quarreling  and  enmity  be- 
tween the  religious  leader  of  the  Roman  Catholics  and  the  German  Gov- 
ernment under  Bismarck?  And  the  ruin  of  cities  and  houses  caused  by 
the  bloodshed  during  the  Carlist  War  in  Spain? 

There  are  in  short  only  too  many  catastrophes  of  this  kind  that  might 
be  mentioned  which  prove  the  deficiency  of  the  European  peoples  in  moral 
civiUzation. 

As  the  present  wTiter  has  no  wish  to  cast  reflections,  he  does  not  enter 
into  further  details,  but  it  is  clear  enough  that  no  man  of  thought  and 
discernment  would  approve  of  a  state  of  things  in  which  such  events  could 
take  place.  How  could  it  be  possible  to  these  peoples  and  nations  among 
whom  such  terrible  events,  utterly  opposed  to  all  peaceful  and  human  ideas, 
are  happening  to  lay  claim  to  complete  and  real  civilization,  especially 
as  the  only  outcome  of  such  inhumanity  is  conquest  and  temporary  do- 
minion, as  its  achievement  and  consequence  is  not  lasting  and  enduring, 
and  therefore  is  not  worth  the  study  and  contemplation  of  thoughtful 
men? 

In  past  centuries  Germany  conquered  parts  of  France,  likewise  the 
French  frequently  established  their  rule  over  parts  of  Germany. 

Is  it  just  that  those  600,000  poor  people,  God's  servants,  whom  we  have 
mentioned,  should  have  been  sacrificed  for  temporary'  results  and  external 
interests  of  this  kind?  In  the  name  of  God,  no!  Even  a  child  can  under- 
stand the  injury  and  injustice  caused  by  such  methods. 

But  when  the  heart,  influenced  by  worldly  desires,  throws  a  hundred 
thousand  veils  over  the  eyes,  both  the  eyes  and  the  judgment  grow  blind; 
then  hatred  enters,  the  understanding  becomes  obscured,  and  a  hundred 
veils  coming  from  the  heart  blind  the  eyes. 

Yea,  the  true  civilization  will  raise  its  banner  in  the  center  of  the 
world,  when  some  noble  kings  of  high  ambitions,  the  bright  suns  of  the 
world  of  humanitarian  enthusiasm,  shall,  for  the  good  and  happiness  of 
all  the  human  race,  step  forth  with  firm  resolution  and  keen,  powerful 
minds  and  hold  a  conference  on  the  question  of  universal  peace;  when, 
keeping  fast  hold  of  the  means  of  enforcing  their  views,  they  shall  es- 
tablish a  union  of  the  states  of  the  world  and  conclude  a  defiinite  treaty 
and  strict  alliance  between  them  upon  conditions  not  to  be  evaded.  When 
the  whole  human  race  has  been  consulted  through  their  representatives 
and  invited  to  ratify  this  treaty,  which,  verily  would  be  a  treaty  of  uni- 
versal peace  and  would  be  accounted  sacred  by  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth. 
It  would  be  the  duty  of  the  united  powers  of  the  world  to  see  that  this 
great  treaty  be  strengthened  and  should  endure. 


In  such  a  universal  treaty  the  limits  of  the  borders  and  boundaries 
of  every  state  should  be  fixed  and  the  customs  and  laws  of  every  govern- 
ment; all  the  agreements  and  the  affairs  of  state  and  the  arrangements 
between  the  various  governments  should  be  propounded  and  settled  in 
due  form;  the  size  of  the  armaments  for  each  government  should  likewise 
be  definitely  agreed  upon,  because  if  in  the  case  of  any  state  there  were  to 
be  an  increase  in  the  preparation  for  war  it  would  be  a  cause  of  alarm  to 
the  other  states.  At  any  rate  the  basis  of  this  powerful  alliance  should  be 
so  fijxed  that  if  one  of  the  states  afterwards  broke  any  of  the  articles  of  it 
the  rest  of  the  nations  of  the  world  would  rise  up  and  destroy  it.  Yea, 
the  whole  human  race  would  band  its  forces  together  to  exterminate  that 
nation. 

If  so  great  a  remedy  should  be  applied  to  the  sick  body  of  the  world 
it  would  certainly  be  the  means  of  definitely  and  permanently  healing  its 
illness  by  the  inculcation  of  universal  moderation.  Reflect  that,  under 
such  conditions  of  life  no  government  or  kingdom  would  need  to  prepare 
and  accumulate  war  materials  or  would  need  to  pay  heed  to  the  invention 
of  new  weapons  of  offense  for  the  vexation  and  hurt  of  mankind.  On  the 
contrary,  they  would  require  but  a  few  soldiers  as  a  means  of  assuring  the 
safety  of  the  state,  punishing  the  wicked  and  rebellious  and  preventing  the 
growth  of  civil  sedition.     Not  more  than  these  few  would  be  needed. 

*  *  *  All  the  inhabitants  of  a  state  would  be  freed  from  bearing  the  bur- 
den of  the  tremendous  expense  of  an  army;  in  the  second,  the  many 
persons  who  now  devote  their  lives  to  the  invention  of  fresh  instruments 
of  war  would  no  longer  waste  their  time  upon  such  work,  which  would  but 
encourage  ferocity  and  bloodthirstiness  and  is  repugnant  to  the  universal 
ideal  of  humanity.  On  the  contrary,  they  would  then  employ  their  natu- 
ral gifts  in  the  cause  of  the  general  well-being  and  would  contribute  towards 
the  peace  and  salvation  of  mankind.  All  the  rulers  of  the  world  will  then 
be  settled  on  the  peaceful  thrones  amid  the  glory  of  a  perfect  civilization 
and  all  the  nations  and  peoples  will  rest  in  the  cradle  of  peace  and  comfort 

Some  persons  who  are  ignorant  of  the  world  of  true  humanity  and 
its  high  ambitions  for  the  general  good  reckon  such  a  glorious  condition 
of  life  to  be  very  difficult,  nay  rather,  impossible  to  compass.  But  it  is 
not  so.  Far  from  it.  For  by  the  grace  of  God  and  by  the  testimony  of 
the  Beloved,  those  near  to  the  threshold  of  the  Creator  and  by  the  in- 
comparably high  ambitions  of  the  souls  that  are  perfect  and  the  thoughts 
and  the  opinions  of  the  wisest  men  of  the  age,  there  never  has  been  and 
is  not  now  anything  improbable  and  impossible  in  existence.  What  are 
required  are  the  most  resolved  determination  and  the  most  ardent  en- 
thusiasm. How  many  things  which  in  ancient  times  were  regarded  as 
impossibilities,  of  such  a  kind  that  the  intellect  could  hardly  conceive 
them  we  now  perceive  to  have  become  quite  simple  and  easy.  Why  then 
should  this  great  and  important  matter  of  universal  peace  which  is  verily 
the  sun  amongst  the  lights  of  civilization,  the  cause  of  honor,  freedom  and 
salvation  for  all,  be  considered  as  something  improbable  of  realization.? 

It  is  evident  that  the  honor  and  greatness  of  man  have  not  arisen 
through  bloodthirstiness,  the  destruction  of  cities  and  kingdoms,  the  ruin- 
ing and  murdering  of  armies  and  peoples.  On  the  contrary,  the  cause  of 
highmindedness  and  prosperity  is  based  upon  the  cherishing  of  justice  and 
the  sympathy  with  one's  fellow-citizens,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest; 


upon  building  up  the  kingdom,  the  cities  and  villages,  the  suburbs  and 
the  country  and  upon  the  freedom  and  quiet  of  the  servants  of  God 
in  laying  do^NTi  the  foundations  of  the  principles  of  progress  and  in  the  ex- 
tension of  the  commonweal,  the  increase  of  wealth  and  general  pros- 
perity. *  *  * 

*  *  *  Napoleon  the  First  found  no  benefit  in  his  victories  over  the 
kings  of  Europe,  but  he  ruined  well-constituted  kingdoms  and  well-cul- 
tivated countries,  he  destroyed  hundreds  of  thousands  of  men,  terrorized 
and  intimidated  the  whole  continent  of  Europe,  and  ended  his  life  in 
wretched  captivity.  Such  were  the  results  left  behind  them  by  these 
kmgs  and  their  huge  conquests.  Pp.  125-141. 

*  *  *  Yea,  the  expansion  of  the  world  and  the  subduing  of  the  world 
are  praised:  yea,  even  war  is  sometimes  the  great  foundation  of  peace 
and  destroying  is  the  cause  of  rebuilding.  If  for  example,  a  great  sovereign 
should  wage  war  against  a  threatening  foe,  or  for  the  unification  of  the 
whole  body  of  people  and  divided  kingdom,  he  may  urge  the  steed  of 
resolution  into  the  race-course  of  bravery  and  courage;  in  short,  this  war 
may  be  essentially  attuned  to  the  melodies  of  peace,  then  verily,  this  fury 
is  kindness  itself  and  this  oppression  is  the  essence  of  justice  itself  and  this 
war  is  the  source  of  reconciliation.  Today  the  true  duty  of  a  powerful 
king  is  to  establish  a  universal  peace;  for  verily,  it  signifies  the  freedom  of 
all  the  people  of  the  world.  P.  148-149. 

*  *  *  Take,  for  example,  a  people  truly  pious,  proficient  in  reading, 
writing  and  possessed  of  a  variety  of  sciences;  should  an  action  be  per- 
petrated contrary  to  the  justice  of  God  and  of  their  Sovereign,  they  must 
first  of  all  appeal  to  the  local  government,  and  then  if  no  redress  be  ob- 
tained they  must  carry  the  question  in  dispute  to  the  High  Court,  ex- 
plaining the  deviation  of  their  local  government  from  the  paths  of  justice. 
The  High  Court  should  then,  demand  explanations  from  that  locality. 

Certainly  the  person  who  discovered  the  error  and  corruption  under- 
mining the  local  government,  should  be  entitled  to  gratitude  and  reward 
from  the  pubhc.  *  *  *  Pp.  43  and  44. 

*  *  *  The  second  characteristic  of  progress  and  self-perfecting  con- 
sists in  the  observance  of  justice  and  righteousness. 

There  must  be  no  respecting  of  personal  advantage  and  no  seeking 
after  personal  profit  but,  without  regarding  any  one  a  man  must  keep  the 
just  laws  and  recognize  himself  as  a  member  of  the  body  of  God's  people. 

Pp.  80-81. 

In  like  manner,  when  the  sincere  purposes  and  the  justice  of  the  sov- 
ereign, the  knowledge  and  perfect  political  efficiency  of  the  ministers  of 
state  and  the  ambition  and  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  are  all  realized 
at  the  same  time,  then  indeed,  the  millermium  of  progress  and  human  per- 
fection, the  consummation  of  the  glory  and  the  prosperity  of  state  and 
nation  will  be  accomplished.  P.  225. 

5 


EXCERPTS 

FROM 

A  TRAVELER'S  NARRATIVE 

Written  to  illustrate  the  episode  of  the  Bab 


*  *  *  The  primary  foundation  of  the  faith  of  God  and  the  rehgion  of 
God  is  this,  that  they  should  not  make  diverse  sects  and  various  paths  the 
cause  and  reason  of  hatred.  These  principles  and  laws  and  firm  sure  roads 
appear  from  one  dawning-place  and  shine  from  one  day-spring,  and  these 
diversities  were  out  of  regard  for  the  requirements  of  the  time,  season, 
ages,  and  epochs. 

O  unitarians,  make  firm  the  girdle  of  endeavor,  that  perchance  re- 
hgious  strife  and  conflict  may  be  removed  from  amongst  the  people  of  the 
world  and  be  annulled.  For  love  of  God  and  His  servants,  engage  in  this 
great  and  mighty  matter. 

Religious  hatred  and  rancor  is  a  world-consuming  fire  and  the  quench- 
ing thereof  most  arduous,  unless  the  hand  of  divine  might  give  men  de- 
liverance from  this  unfruitful  calamity. 

Consider  a  war  which  happens  between  two  states:  both  sides  have 
foregone  wealth  and  life:  how  many  villages  were  beheld  as  though  they 
were  not!  This  precept  is  in  the  position  of  the  hght  in  the  lamp  of  ut- 
terance. P.  71. 

*  *  *  If  the  unitarians  had  in  the  latter  time  acted  according  to  the 
glorious  law  (which  came)  after  His  Highness  the  Seal  of  the  prophets  (May 
the  life  of  all  beside  Him  be  His  sacrifice!),  and  had  clung  to  its  skirt,  the 
foundation  of  the  fortress  of  religion  would  not  have  been  shaken  and  popu- 
lous cities  would  not  have  been  ruined;  but  rather  cities  and  villages 
would  have  acquired  and  been  adorned  with  the  decoration  of  peace  and 
serenity.  *  *  *  P.  72. 

*  *  *  It  became  clear  and  obvious  even  to  statesmen  that  the  funda- 
mental intentions  and  ideas  of  this  sect  were  things  spiritual,  and  such  as 
are  connected  with  pure  hearts;  that  their  true  and  essential  principles 
were  to  reform  the  morals  and  beautify  the  conduct  of  the  human  race, 
and  that  with  things  material  they  had  absolutely  no  concern.       P.  66, 

*  *  *  At  all  events  the  undeniable  truth  is  this :  that  for  nigh  upon 
thirty-five  years  no  action  opposed  to  the  government  or  prejudicial  to 
the  nation  has  emanated  from  this  sect  or  been  witnessed  (on  their  part), 
and  that  during  this  long  period,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  their  num- 
bers and  strength  are  double  what  they  were  formerly,  no  sound  has  arisen 
from  any  place,  except  that  every  now  and  then  learned  doctors  and  emi- 
nent scholars  (really  for  the  extension  of  this  report  through  the  world 
and  the  awakening  of  men)  sentence  some  few  to  death.  For  such  in- 
terference is  not  destruction  but  edification  when  thou  regardest  the  truth, 
which  will  not  thereby  become  quenched  and  forgotten,  but  rather  stimu- 
lated and  advertised.  *  *  *  P.  67. 


*  *  *  So  Baha'o'llah  made  the  utmost  effort  to  educate  (His  people) 
and  incite  (them)  to  morality,  the  acquisition  of  the  sciences  and  arts  of 
all  countries,  kindly  dealing  with  all  the  nations  of  the  earth;  desire  for 
the  welfare  of  all  peoples,  sociability,  concord,  obedience,  submissiveness, 
instruction  of  children,  production  of  what  is  needful  for  the  human  race, 
and  inauguration  of  true  happiness  for  mankind;  and  He  continually  kept 
sending  tracts  of  admonition  to  all  parts,  whereby  a  wonderful  effect  was 
produced.  P.  69. 

*  *  *  But  when  their  principles  acquired  fixity  and  stability  and  their 
conduct  and  behavior  were  known  and  appreciated,  the  veil  of  doubt  and 
suspicion  fell,  the  true  character  of  this  sect  became  clear  and  evident  and 
it  reached  the  degree  of  certainty  that  their  principles  were  unlike  men's 
fancies,  and  that  their  foundation  differed  from  the  (popular)  opinion  and 
estimate.  In  their  conduct,  action,  morality,  and  demeanor  was  no  place 
for  objection;  the  objection  in  Persia  is  to  certain  of  the  ideas  and  tenets  of 
this  sect.  And  from  the  indications  of  various  circumstances  it  hath  been 
observed  that  the  people  have  acquired  belief  and  confidence  in  the  trust- 
worthiness, faithfulness,  and  godliness  of  this  sect  in  all  transactions. 

P.  82. 

During  the  period  of  their  sojourn  in  Irak  these  persons  became 
notorious  throughout  the  world,  for  exile  resulted  in  fame  in  such  wise 
that  a  great  number  of  other  parties  sought  alliance  and  union,  and  de- 
vised means  of  acquiring  intimacy  with  them. 

But  the  chief  of  this  sect  (Baha'o'llah)  discovering  the  aims  of  each 
faction,  acted  with  the  utmost  consistency,  circumspection  and  firmness. 
Reposing  confidence  in  none.  He  applied  Himself  as  far  as  possible  to  the 
admonition  of  each,  inciting  and  urging  them  to  good  resolutions  and  aims 
beneficial  to  the  state  and  nation.  And  this  conduct  and  behavior  of  the 
chief  acquired  notoriety  in  Irak. 

So  likewise  during  the  period  of  their  sojourn  in  Irak  certain  function- 
aries of  foreign  governments  were  desirous  of  intimacy  and  sought  friendly 
relations  (with  them) ;   but  the  chief  would  not  agree. 

Among  other  strange  happenings  was  this,  that  in  Irak  certain  of 
the  royal  family  came  to  an  understanding  with  these  (foreign)  govern- 
ments and  (induced)  by  promises  and  threats,  conspired  with  them.  But 
this  sect  unloosed  their  tongues  in  reproach  and  began  to  admonish  them, 
saying,  "WTiat  meanness  is  this,  and  what  evident  treason;  that  man 
should,  for  worldly  advantages,  personal  profit,  easy  circumstances,  or 
protection  of  life  and  property,  cast  himself  into  this  great  detriment  and 
evident  loss,  and  embark  in  a  course  of  action  which  will  conduce  to  the 
greatest  abasement  and  involve  the  utmost  infamy  and  disgrace  both  here 
and  hereafter!  One  can  support  any  baseness  save  treason  to  one's  coun- 
try, and  every  sin  admits  of  pardon  and  forgiveness  save  (that  of)  dis- 
honoring one's  government  and  injuring  one's  nation." 

And  they  imagined  that  they  were  acting  patriotically,  displaying 
sincerity  and  loyalty,  and  accounting  sacred  the  duties  of  fidelity;  which 
noble  aim  they  regarded  as  a  moral  obligation. 

So  rumors  of  this  were  spread  abroad  through  Irak-i-Arab,  and  such 
as  washed  well  to  their  country  loosed  their  tongues  in  uttering  thanks, 
expressing  approval  and  respect.  P.  91. 


2674  1 


U.C.B 


ERKELEVUBRAWES 


C0M261'=^°^'^ 


